Pillay will begin his appointment June 29, serving in a cabinet-level role as Marshall’s senior research officer. He will provide strategic, financial, operational and regulatory leadership for the university’s expanding research enterprise as Marshall continues to build on its momentum as a Carnegie Institute R2 research institution.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith said Pillay’s extensive experience in growing research enterprises and building collaborative partnerships will help accelerate the university’s mission of advancing innovation, economic development and student success.
“Marshall is entering an exciting new chapter as we continue to expand our research enterprise and strengthen our impact across West Virginia and beyond,” Smith said. “Dr. Pillay brings an exceptional record of building research capacity, supporting faculty excellence and developing partnerships that translate discovery into meaningful outcomes. His leadership will help position Marshall to continue attracting research investment, creating new opportunities for our students and faculty, and driving innovation that serves our region.”
Pillay brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, university-affiliated research organizations, nonprofit research corporations and U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory environments. Throughout his career, he has led efforts to increase sponsored research, strengthen research administration and compliance, expand industry partnerships and foster innovation ecosystems.
He joins Marshall from the University of Cincinnati, where he served as associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. During his tenure, the college’s annual sponsored research portfolio grew from approximately $15 million in fiscal year 2019 to more than $50 million in fiscal year 2025.
In addition to increasing research funding, Pillay established the college’s first Office of Research, expanded grant-writing and research administration support, created new undergraduate research opportunities and helped secure major partnerships focused on semiconductor workforce development, regional innovation, federal research initiatives and industry collaboration.
Earlier in his career, Pillay served as executive director and chief executive officer of the Inland Northwest Research Alliance, where he strengthened partnerships among leading research universities and national laboratories. He has also served as chief research officer at multiple universities, helping institutions grow research capacity while supporting faculty success and strategic collaboration.
Pillay earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University and his B.S. in chemical engineering, with high honors, from New Mexico State University.
“Marshall has the ingredients that matter: talented faculty and students, a clear public mission, strong regional partners, and a research corporation designed to help the university move from ideas to impact with discipline and speed,” Pillay said. “I see my role as helping build the systems, partnerships, and culture that allow good ideas to become funded projects, strong collaborations, student opportunities, and measurable impact for West Virginia and the region. I am grateful to President Smith and the Marshall team for the opportunity and eager to begin the work.”
Smith also expressed appreciation for Dr. John Maher, who is retiring after years of service leading Marshall’s research enterprise.
“Dr. Maher has played an instrumental role in strengthening research at Marshall and laying the foundation for the growth we are experiencing today,” Smith said. “His dedication to our faculty, students and institution has positioned Marshall for continued success, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership and lasting contributions. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
The Marshall University Research Corporation supports the university’s research mission by advancing sponsored programs, technology commercialization, compliance and strategic partnerships. Under Pillay’s leadership, the university will continue expanding research opportunities that strengthen education, fuel innovation and improve the economic vitality of West Virginia and the Appalachian region.