Auburn College of Education alumnus named next president of Georgia Southwestern State University

Auburn College of Education alumnus Kerry Palmer officially assumed the presidency of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) on July 1. As he takes on his new role, he credits the College of Education with setting him on the path to success.

"I would not be where I am today were it not for the Auburn University College of Education," Palmer said.

Currently serving as senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost at Troy University, Palmer has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, independent school leadership and K-12 education.

"Stepping into the presidency at Georgia Southwestern State University is an incredible honor, and I'm thrilled to join the Hurricane family," Palmer said in GSW's official announcement. "Higher education can no longer rely on business as usual, and that is exactly what makes GSW a true destination. It's a university that is proving how to be nimble, creative and deeply relevant to the students and communities it serves. Together with the campus community, we'll strengthen GSW's position as the primary economic and cultural engine for southwestern Georgia."

Palmer earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2003 and a doctorate in Adult Education from Auburn's College of Education in 2018.

"Auburn is synonymous with quality, and I wanted graduate degrees from an institution that would continue to improve its quality-and the value of my degrees-through the years," Palmer said. "In the College of Education, I learned that dedication, hard work and perseverance pay off."

Associate Professor of Adult Education Leslie Cordie served on Palmer's doctoral committee and believes he is positioned to make a real impact on higher education.

"It has been rewarding to watch Dr. Palmer translate his deep scholarly commitment into a career defined by building robust, innovative pathways for student success," Cordie said. "His journey is a testament to his dedication to ensuring that universities are not just places of enrollment, but truly transformative environments that foster student persistence, achievement and a lifelong commitment to learning."

Palmer offered a piece of advice for current students in Auburn's College of Education: hard work coupled with a solid education pays off, and if you dedicate yourself to both, there is no telling how far you can go.

"It is tough to earn a Ph.D. while heading a school full time," Palmer said. "Auburn made it possible to juggle those two responsibilities without sacrificing quality. I am proud to be an alumnus of the College of Education, and War Eagle always!"