Outstanding Performance

Over the last decade, Robert L. Palmer, vice president for student affairs, has been active in delivering and expanding the variety of services available to Cal State Fullerton students. 

For his commitment, vision and dedication to students, Palmer recently received one of the region’s most prestigious accolades from his student affairs peers: the 2010 Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean/Vice President from NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Region VI. The award was presented Nov. 5 at the organization's Western Regional Conference in Portland. 

The award is given to an individual who has excelled as dean or vice president in a student affairs program and is involved in campus and community leadership and university affairs. 

“What sets Dr. Palmer apart from other university administrators and makes him worthy of this recognition is his commitment to student engagement, his absolute dedication to excellence and his innovative and creative approach to meeting the needs of all students,” said Kandy Mink Salas, dean of students. 

Palmer, who is retiring in December, called the award a highlight of his extensive career in higher education. 

“The most rewarding part of my nearly 40 years in higher education has been working with students and helping them reach their educational goals and aspirations. In my view there is no nobler calling than the diligent and faithful education of our youth,” Palmer said. “I haven’t regretted my career choice — not for a moment. I truly appreciate this recognition.”

Joining the Titan Team 

After more than 20 years of student affairs service at State University of New York at Buffalo, Palmer joined Cal State Fullerton in August 1997. 

“He brought a wealth of experience and a passion for achieving excellence in service to students, particularly to students who may not have a family history of participating in higher education,” Mink Salas said. 

As one of the university’s top administrators, Palmer facilitates, implements and assesses student affairs planning strategies, allocates resources, and administers and coordinates comprehensive student programs and services related to student growth and development. 

When he arrived on campus, Palmer supervised a staff of 120 and oversaw a budget of $5 million. Today, he has a staff of more than 400 and is responsible for a budget of nearly $30 million.

Palmer has championed efforts that have helped underrepresented students pursue higher education, such as the federally funded TRIO programs; science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs for Hispanic students; and college outreach programs for elementary students. He also was instrumental in the founding of the African American Resource Center, a partnership between the department of Afro-Ethnic Studies and Student Affairs to provide support and service to black students on campus. 

“He truly believes that every student, no matter their cultural or socioeconomic background should have the chance to pursue their dreams of a college education,” Mink Salas said. 

In addition, Palmer has served as a tireless advocate for student issues and is dedicated to the involvement of students in campus leadership roles. Because of his personal commitment to student leadership, he created and funded “Excellence in Student Leaders Award,” a scholarship for freshmen and sophomores who have shown outstanding leadership skills. 

Another example of his commitment is the Guardian Scholars program, which assists former foster youth attain a college degree. The program has been so successful in graduating former foster youth that today it is a model for other colleges and universities nationwide. 

Because of Palmer’s dedication to these students, alumnus Ronald V. Davis, a key supporter and founder of Guardian Scholars, endowed a scholarship in his name in 2006. The Robert Palmer Guardian Scholar Scholarship is awarded to a Guardian Scholar graduate entering a Cal State Fullerton master’s program in one of the helping professions. 

Over the years, Palmer has been a mentor to his staff, guiding many on paths as university leaders and administrators. He called it an honor to work with many outstanding professionals. 

"I’ve always considered it my responsibility and privilege to support them in continuing their professional growth,” he said. “They are the future of our profession — we are indeed in good hands.” 

Lea M. Jarnagin, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, added that she has gained invaluable insights in the student affairs field as a result of Palmer’s mentorship. 

“It has been my good fortune to work under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Palmer over the past 13 years,” said Jarnagin, who recently earned an Ed.D in educational leadership. “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goal of a doctorate without his support and encouragement.”

Nov. 16, 2010