Dr. Peter C. Makiriyado
Principal/President
Prof. Theology, Church Planting and Business
Dr. Peter C. Makiriyado is an esteemed individual known for his commitment to education, pastoral leadership, and entrepreneurial initiatives. With roots firmly planted in Zimbabwe, his journey has seen significant academic and professional expansion across his home country, the United States, and presently, Albania.
Dr. Makiriyado's educational journey is both rich and diverse. In 1994, he completed his B.A. Equivalent in Pastoral Studies at Zimbabwe Christian College, where he also secured an Instructor's Certificate in Religious Studies. As he moved to the United States for further education, he obtained a B.A. in Bible/Missions/Intercultural Studies from Johnson University in Tennessee in 2003. This academic transition set the stage for an MBA in Business Administration (Management) from Governors State University, Illinois, in 2006. Not stopping there, Dr. Makiriyado earned an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Kentucky Christian University in 2012, the same year he achieved his Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Workforce Education and development from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
In terms of professional academia and administrative roles, Dr. Makiriyado's contributions have been substantial. Since 2018, he has been an Associate Professor at Nehemiah Gateway University in Albania, diligently teaching various undergraduate and graduate modules in Business Administration. His responsibilities range from delivering lectures on Entrepreneurship, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics to Curriculum Development, Organizational Planning & Finance, and Research Methods.
During 2018-2019, he took on the role of Head of Faculty (Academic Dean) at Nehemiah Gateway University. In this position, he showcased leadership by supporting department heads in enhancing instructional programs through strategic planning and a focus on practical learner outcomes. He actively participated in the development and recommendation of academic policies and procedures at both program and institutional levels.
Dr. Makiriyado was subsequently appointed Rector/President by the university board, serving from 2019 to 2023. Here, he held the mantle of Chief Academic Officer, being the torchbearer for the university's vision, mission, and goals, while ensuring academic quality and integrity. Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Rector, a role in which he continues to lead and represent the university across various platforms while ensuring conformity to board policies and accreditation requirements.
Before his tenure in Albania, Dr. Makiriyado was an integral part of Morthland College in Illinois from 2012 to 2017. He served as the Assistant Professor of Business and the Department Chair, providing departmental leadership, supervising faculty, developing curriculum, and teaching a multitude of business courses. He was also actively involved in faculty training, evaluation, and the overall improvement of teaching methods within the business department.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found ACTIVE Ministry Corporation in 2002, a non-profit organization dedicated to Theological and Vocational Education, Entrepreneurship, and Community Development. He also initiated Theotechnic College in Zimbabwe in 2009, a theology and vocational training institution.
Dr. Makiriyado's pastoral experience is deep and extensive. He has served in various capacities, from Church Planter and Lead Pastor in Zimbabwe to Pastoral Care Minister and Interim Lead Pastor in Illinois, USA. His roles in these capacities have been diverse, including preaching, advising, mentoring, leading, and providing spiritual guidance to his congregations.
His relentless efforts and dedication to his work have not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of several awards and honors, including the prestigious Faculty of the Year Award from Morthland College in 2017 and the Graduate Assistant Awards from Southern Illinois University in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Dr. Peter C. Makiriyado is a man of many hats, each worn with dignity and purpose. His life's journey is a tapestry of academic achievement, professional excellence, pastoral care, and entrepreneurial initiative. With his wealth of knowledge, an array of skills, and a heart dedicated to service, he continues to make invaluable contributions to academia and communities in Albania and beyond.