By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University has appointed Beth Palmer as vice president for institutional advancement.
Palmer, who will begin her new role March 2, will transition from Louisiana State University of Alexandria, where she has served as assistant vice chancellor and director for the Career Center, with her final day at LSUA set for Feb. 27.
In her new role, Palmer will lead LCU’s advancement efforts, including alumni engagement, philanthropic development and strategic partnership initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. This appointment marks both a professional transition and a personal homecoming, as LCU is Palmer’s alma mater and a place that has long shaped her commitment to faith-centered higher education.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Dr. Beth Palmer,” said LCU President Mark Johnson. “She is not only a respected leader in higher education, but she is also family. As an alumna of LCU, she understands the heart of this institution, the strength of the Wildcat Nation, and the sacred responsibility we carry to serve both our students and this region. What excites me most is her deep desire to continue serving Central Louisiana, as she did with our partners at LSUA.”
Throughout her career, Johnson said that Palmer has built bridges between education and industry, strengthened community partnerships and championed student success in ways that create lasting impact beyond the campus gates.
“Her leadership will help us deepen alumni engagement, expand philanthropic partnerships, and ensure that LCU remains strong for generations to come,” he said. “We are grateful for her continued commitment to Central Louisiana and confident that her leadership will help position LCU for a bold and faithful future.”
During her time at LSUA, Palmer provided leadership in career development, employer engagement, and holistic student success initiatives. She worked closely with regional employers and community leaders to strengthen workforce connections, expand opportunities for students, and build partnerships that benefit Central Louisiana. Her leadership helped position the Career Center as a hub for collaboration between education and industry.
“This transition represents both gratitude and calling,” Palmer said. “My time at LSUA has been deeply meaningful, and I am thankful for the relationships built with students, faculty, staff and community partners. I look forward to returning to my alma mater and investing in the mission of Louisiana Christian University through strengthening alumni connections, building partnerships, and supporting the future of the institution.”
While the move reflects a shift into a distinct area of leadership, Palmer sees meaningful opportunity for continued collaboration between LSUA and LCU, recognizing the shared role both institutions play in preparing students for careers, leadership, and service across the region.
Palmer brings decades of experience in higher education leadership, having served in roles at Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Wesleyan University, and Texas A&M–Commerce, in addition to previous service at Louisiana Christian University. Her career has centered on student development, institutional growth, and building strong partnerships between universities and the communities they serve.
She holds a doctorate n kinesiology and sport management and an Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a Master of Education from North Texas State University.
