TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D., has been selected as a News Service of Florida 50 Over 50 honoree. The event will recognize accomplished leaders in government, advocacy, media, business, lobbying, and more, on Wednesday, April 16 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

“Florida A&M University celebrates our executive vice president and chief operating officer, Dr. Donald Palm, on receiving this auspicious recognition from the News Service of Florida,” says FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph. D. “Donald is an outstanding leader and advocate for the higher education industry, and his dedication toward creating a blueprint for organizational efficiency, customer service, and student success are worthy of recognition.” 

Palm is responsible for executive oversight of multiple divisions, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Research, Strategic Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness. In his role, he provides strategic leadership to ensure academic quality, student success, research productivity, and institutional operations efficiency.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized among such a distinguished group of leaders across Florida,” says Palm. “This acknowledgment is not just a reflection of my journey, but also of the incredible colleagues and institutions I’ve had the privilege to serve. I remain passionate about transforming the lives of our students through education.” 

Previously, Palm served as executive vice president and provost at Virginia State University (VSU), with additional duties serving as the vice president for Student Affairs and vice president for Research. During his tenure, VSU successfully secured a record $250 million and $48 million respectfully in both capital and operational funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The academic inventory grew with the development of eight new innovative academic degree programs, six fully online programs and the establishment of 10 new institutes and centers. 

At both FAMU and VSU, he has leveraged strategic planning as a catalyst for transformation and intentional success. Through his leadership and commitment to excellence, he has led initiatives that have redefined student success, elevated national rankings, secured historic funding, and cultivated a culture of innovation and accountability.

The Pittsburgh native holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) and a doctorate 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.

Palm holds active membership in several distinguished organizations, including Sigma Pi Phi (Boule’) Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 33^o Prince Hall Mason; Prince Hall Shriners AEAONMS. He is married to Nekisha Palm and they have three children: Brandon, Qu’Riya, and Donovan.

Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
alonda.thomas@FAMU.edu

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