About Dr. Palm
Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D., returned to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on August 14, 2023 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He brings more than two decades of successful and innovative higher education experience and has accumulated a tremendous legacy of accomplishments.
Dr. Palm has committed more than seven years to advancing the mission and goals of Virginia State University (VSU). In 2018, Dr. Palm and his team led VSU through a successful SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation with no recommendations. In 2020, Dr. Palm set forth the next chapter in VSU’s continued growth by leading the development and implementation of the University’s five-year strategic plan “Preeminence with Purpose”. During his tenure and in alignment with the strategic plan, VSU successfully secured a record $250 Million and $48 Million respectfully in both Capital and Operational funding from the Common Wealth of Virginia. Also, sponsored programs research expenditures peaked at a record high of $28.9 million as well as indirect cost recovery at $914,000 thousand. The academic inventory grew with development of eight new innovative academic degree programs, six fully online programs and the establishment of 10 new institutes and centers. Virginia State University enrolled the University’s largest incoming class of new students in more than three decades and has increased the 4-year graduation rate to the highest in the University’s History.
Dr. Palm has consistently invested in the development of faculty, staff and students with mentoring programs, leadership programs, travel awards and outstanding performance awards.
In addition, to retain and recruit phenomenal faculty and staff, he successfully implemented a competitive compensation plan for all Faculty and Staff after leading the university salary-equity study and Climate Survey.
The Pittsburgh Pennsylvania native holds a (B.A.) Degree in Chemistry from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) and a (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology from Pennsylvania State University (Hershey Medical School). His postdoctoral research training was completed at Brown University in the Department of Neurosurgery/Neuroscience. He has successfully secured millions of dollars for STEM Education support, Research Program Support and support for his primary research focus on Neurodegeneration.
Dr. Palm is a 2011-2012 American Council of Education (ACE) Fellow and has received executive leadership training with the Harvard Institute for Higher Education Management Development Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
He is an active membership in several distinguished organizations which include: Sigma Pi Phi (Boule’) Fraternity Inc; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc; 33o Prince Hall Mason; Prince Hall Shriners AEAONMS. He is married to Nekisha Palm and they have three children Brandon, Qu’Riya and Donovan.