Dr. Douglas Palmer President of Culver-Stockton College
Dr. Douglas Palmer is serving the College as the 27th President and is committed to preparing students to become leaders in a dynamic world. Committed to equipping students with broader proficiencies of intellectual curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and intercultural competence, Dr. Palmer is leading the way to mold a new generation of outstanding Wildcats. The experience on "the Hill" shapes Culver-Stockton students for a lifetime. Interactions in and out of the classroom lead to successful alumni in the workplace and the community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As the College President, Dr. Palmer’s responsibility is to lead the campus community and develop the culture to direct the College’s mission and vision. He supervises and organizes senior level affairs, coordinates the strategic plan, and provides guidance for the future of C-SC.
EXPERIENCE
Originally a faculty member in the department of History, Palmer began his higher education journey at Walsh University where he became the chair of the Humanities Division. His interest in helping students prepare for an interconnected world led him to found the global learning program at Walsh, where he oversaw programs in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Administratively, Palmer has served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs before transitioning to his first presidential role at C-SC.
Education
Palmer began his education as a non-traditional student, earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville following an enlistment as an active-duty soldier and paratrooper in the U.S. Army. Upon completing his Master of Art in history from the University of Oregon, he was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to study in the Netherlands. Palmer completed his Ph.D in history at Ohio State University in which he was awarded the Presidential Fellowship for his dissertation.
Culver-Stockton College is a unique and special place. Here, beyond the knowledge that we share in the classrooms, students experience deep and meaningful learning-understanding that their impact on the future isn’t inhibited by where they come from or what they’ve experienced before their arrival on "the Hill." There is great potential in every student who is here and we work hard to provide them with the opportunities to stretch, grow and achieve beyond their dreams, creating a reality of influence and impact. Wildcats are change-makers and we provide them with the tools for powerful outcomes. Welcome to "the Hill."
– Dr. Douglas Palmer
Culver-Stockton College Strategic Plan
Guided by our mission, Culver-Stockton College is committed to “Fulfilling Our Promise to Students of Promise.” The College’s mission will model the future achievements of the institution and the students we are educating with an emphasis on seven key areas:
- Mission and Values
- Sustainability in Enrollment and Finances
- National Recognition in Experiential Learning
- Community Engagement as Leaders in the Midwest
- Excellence in co- and extra-curricular student life
- Workforce Ready Graduates for the 21st Century
- Wildcats leading in a global community
Culver-Stockton College recognizes the need for workforce-ready professionals and is committed to preparing students to be successful, balanced, and innovative leaders in a dynamic world. Through hands-on learning and diverse experiences, as purposefully outlined by our strategic plan, we will catapult learning into the next chapter at Culver-Stockton College.
The Opportunity: Culver-Stockton College will excel as an institution serving students of promise with a commitment that any student with a sincere desire for a values-based education as part of a community of learners will have the opportunity to do so. We will ensure that pathways for students are not limited to traditional ages or demographics but extend to all students regardless of background. We will similarly offer a unique educational experience that places the student at the center of learning, becoming leaders in our discipline, setting high standards for students while providing them transitional paths towards achieving and surpassing those standards. Our co-curricular, extra-curricular, and facilities will reflect a commitment to excellence. Culver-Stockton College’s reputation as a forward-thinking and innovative institution will be firmly established with stakeholders in the Tri-State and beyond.