Dr. Michael Palmer is a self-described listener. "That’s my style," says the new dean of Regent’s School of Divinity, a renowned scholar highly regarded for his expertise in ancient philosophy (Plato), moral theory, history of philosophy, and philosophy of religion. "I am able to motivate people better when I know where they’re coming from. I determine that by listening to what they have to say, finding out what their aspirations are."

Dr. Palmer also passionately believes that teaching students the process of listening to God’s voice is one of the faculty’s most important roles. He co-authored the grant proposal for "Project Envision: Discovering a Life of Christian Service and Leadership," a five-year initiative funded for $2 million by Lilly Endowment that was used to help students discern their call.

Both a prolific author and presenter, Dr. Palmer is also the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He served as editor and contributing author for Elements of a Christian Worldview, a book that discusses the relationship of a Christian worldview to various academic disciplines and certain facets of personal life and popular culture. Dr. Palmer completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Marquette University, and his M.A. and B.A. in the same subject at the University of Montana.

Dr. Palmer has also been listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers five times. In 2002 he received the E.M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service.

It is his background as a teacher that helps inform his goals for Regent’s School of Divinity. "We are here principally to serve the students," Palmer explains, "but I also want us to see ourselves as a team that works collaboratively to serve our school and our community."

Dr. Palmer wants to foster the ethos of service already apparent in the School of Divinity’s faculty and staff. "I hope to inspire even more community involvement by our faculty," Palmer says. "Our theology needs to make a difference in the world. I want us to be people who are willing to share the wealth of information we have, as well as our gifts and abilities, with those who do not have the privileges and blessings we do."

Be sure to download our brochure "New Faces in Leadership" (PDF, 2MB) for more information about new faculty and administrators at Regent University.

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