Dr. Erin Wiggins Gilliam

Erin Wiggins Gilliam, PhD is currently the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives at Edward Waters University. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Gilliam served as the Dean of the Whitney Young Honors College and as associate professor of History at Kentucky State University. She is an extremely proud graduate of Kentucky State University and believes strongly in the purpose of HBCUs. While at Kentucky State University she ran track, was a cheerleader, and joined the greatest sorority on Earth, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in American History specializing in African American and Southern History from the University of Kentucky. Her dissertation focused on the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With over 15 years in education, Dr. Gilliam has served as an educator and advocate in working across departments, divisions, schools, and colleges. She has a stellar track record of providing student-first, centralized services that promote a supportive and robust learning environment that is needed for student success and faculty development. She has traveled and studied extensively throughout the continent of Africa.

Dr. Gilliam is the author of several peer- reviewed articles and is currently working on a book about the galvanizing power of the poet, scholar, and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. She has won several teaching awards such as Professor of the Year. She was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship with the West African Research Center in Senegal. She currently serves as a board member on several history and activism community organizations that highlight her active role in academic scholarship, student engagement and developing student leaders as they become the next generation of scholars and global leaders.

Her most important job is being the cool mom to her daughters Averie and Addison!