Dr. Aparna Dileep-Nageswaran Palmer is Chancellor of the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). Dr. Palmer previously served as a Vice President at Front Range Community College (FRCC), which is part of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). She wass the chief executive of the Boulder County Campus and interim chief executive of the Larimer County Campus, and brings 25 years of experience in higher education. Before joining FRCC, Dr. Palmer was the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), an institution with a dual role and mission to serve both as a regional university with bachelor’s and graduate degrees and as a community college (Western Colorado Community College, WCCC) with associate’s degrees and technical certificates. During her 22 years at CMU as a Professor of Biology, she served as the Director of the Academic Honors Program, Faculty Senate President, and Faculty Trustee on the CMU/WCCC Board.
Dr. Palmer holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Washington State University as well as a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a B.A. in English from Colorado State University. As a scientist, she studies the natural histories and molecular genetics of tardigrades (water bears) and polychaetes (seaworms). As UAS Chancellor, Dr. Palmer provides strategic leadership in fulfilling UAS’ mission, including budget development, academic planning and program assessments, student and enrollment services, administrative services, and community relations.