Kerry J. Palmer, Ph.D., was named president of Georgia Southwestern State University, effective July 1, 2026. He is the 15th president in GSW history.

Palmer previously served as senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost at Troy University, where he served as the university’s chief academic officer and Chancellor’s representative to the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee. During his tenure, he oversaw an $80 million academic portfolio and five academic colleges for a regional comprehensive institution serving approximately 13,000 students.

Prior to serving as provost, Palmer was dean of Troy University’s College of Education from 2020 to 2023 and associate dean from 2019 to 2020. As dean, he managed a $20 million annual portfolio of grants and contracts, expanded specialized program accreditations and generated more than $1.9 million in private philanthropic gifts and pledges.

Before entering higher education leadership, Palmer served as head of school at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, Alabama, from 2013 to 2019. During his tenure, he established the school’s first institutional advancement office, increased annual giving and strengthened student achievement outcomes. His earlier administrative experience includes serving as founding middle school principal, middle school vice principal and director of bands at schools across Alabama and Georgia.

Palmer has been active in professional and community service, including serving as president of the Troy Rotary Club, president of the Montgomery Lions Club and chair of the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame.

Palmer holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Troy University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Auburn University.