After serving for 20 years as chair of the Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees, Vickie Palmer has officially handed off the responsibility to Vice Chairman Trevor Ireland, DC.
In a statement, Ms. Palmer explained, "I began considering this nearly seven years ago and consulted with many advisors, including my two sisters, during that time. For many reasons, I'm confident that this is the right time to make a smooth transition. We've successfully completed our capital campaign and opened the Academic Health Center. I'm also very comfortable with the strength of the board and the college administration. More importantly, the time is right for a practicing chiropractor to lead this college, as it has become a true participant in the mainstream healthcare delivery system."
She added, "I appreciate that the Board of Trustees agreed with my nomination of Dr. Ireland as chairman. He is an incredible individual and I'm certain he will do an excellent job. Dr. Ireland possesses all of the characteristics necessary to lead us on this journey."
Dr. Ireland, a graduate of Palmer's Davenport Campus and a board member since 1988, is founder of the Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic in Anchorage, Alaska, one of the largest chiropractic health care facilities in that state. In addition, he co-founded and is past president of the Alaska Chiropractic Society.
In response to his election, Dr. Ireland stated, "I've trained my entire life to assume this position. It has been a privilege to have served with Vickie for all these years. As we enter this new era of chiropractic, I shall do my utmost to benefit Palmer College, pursue its mission, and protect and perpetuate its philosophy, science and art, and continue to honor the historic connection between Vickie Palmer and the college."
Vickie Palmer was named to the Palmer Board in 1978 and was elected chair in 1987. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in many significant accomplishments for the college including the opening of the Palmer Academic Health Center on the Davenport Campus; the growth of Palmer's West Campus in San Jose; the establishment of the Florida Campus in 2002; and the creation of the Palmer Center for Business Development and the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research.
"Having literally grown up on the Davenport Campus, my entire life has been centered around Palmer College," said Ms. Palmer. "It has been my pleasure to serve this wonderful college in so many ways, including my time working in various areas. I have reached a time in my life - and in the life of Palmer College - when I wish to serve the board in a new role; one that allows me to be more interactive with our students and alumni. I am excited about contributing in different ways to help Palmer College of Chiropractic move forward."
Vickie Palmer is the former chair of the Palmer College Board of Trustees.