A Passion for Problem-Solving: Meet Mark Palmer, Presidential Fellow

When Mark Palmer ‘20 got a job offer from President Dennis J. Murray, he froze. 

“I think that's what happens when you know you're going to learn and work with an individual who is one of the best leaders in higher education,” Palmer said.  

As the college’s fourth presidential fellow, Palmer assists the President’s Office and vice presidents on campus in a variety of matters –– most notably, operating a college in the middle of a pandemic. At the time Palmer accepted the position, COVID-19 continued to rage across the country, infection rates rising and resources depleting. He knew that ensuring a safe and successful semester would be challenging, but his optimism and determination prevailed. 

“I enjoy problem-solving with my colleagues and attempting to find the best solution possible, even if it's a difficult decision to make,” Palmer said. 

As the college’s fourth presidential fellow, Palmer assists the President’s Office and vice presidents on campus in a variety of matters –– most notably, operating a college in the middle of a pandemic. Source: Carlo de Jesus

His first few weeks also coincided with Black Lives Matter protests across the country, bringing conversations about race in higher education to the forefront. “Having those conversations are difficult and necessary for us to continuously improve as an institution,” Palmer said. 

Prior to accepting the position, Palmer had worked with Murray as a mentee after taking his Leadership Honors Seminar and said Murray had “set him on the right path.”

“It was one of the best courses I’ve taken at Marist,” Palmer said. “The biggest takeaway was that being a good leader doesn’t happen overnight. Leaders must be able to make tough decisions for an organization. President Murray has had high expectations for me, and I am grateful for his mentorship.”

Born in South Los Angeles, Palmer attended Verbum Dei High School, where all graduates are expected to attend college. His own plans for pursuing higher education were heavily influenced by the passing of his father the year he entered middle school.

“I remember once telling my dad I wanted to go into the military. He stops me and says ‘You’re going to college,’” Palmer said. “I was eight or nine, and he said, ‘You’re not going to follow the same route I took.’ From a young age when we had that conversation, I didn't know the process to get into college but receiving a bachelor's degree is a foundation for my future.” 

Palmer knew he wanted to attend college on the East Coast, and after being approached by a recruiter at a college fair, he applied to Marist as a first-generation student.

“The biggest challenge as an undergraduate was having a sense of survivor’s guilt. There is an added amount of stress, but I had to accomplish the goal of completing my Bachelor’s degree,” Palmer said.

Palmer entered Marist as a political science major with a minor in criminal justice. Politics and social activism have remained important to Palmer throughout his undergraduate career, evidenced by his active involvement as the secretary and then vice president of the Marist Democrats. In his role, Palmer expanded membership, attended the Women’s March in D.C. and helped to canvas for local politicians like Antonio Delgado. Palmer also served on the eBoard of Zeta Psi and on the Residence Hall Council his sophomore year.

The summer before his senior year, Palmer was selected for Marist’s Tarver Internship Program to work with a local nonprofit. For his internship, Palmer partnered with Marist’s Upward Bound Program, which helps over 100 students from two local high schools prepare for college through a core curriculum and educational services. 

As a first-generation college student, Palmer experienced some of the same challenges as the students he worked with through the program. He tried to guide them, much like the mentors who changed his own life. 

“I have had challenges during my undergraduate experience, but a strong support group helped me get through challenging times,” Palmer said. “I had great advisors and had an excellent friend group throughout my undergrad experience.”

Palmer’s passion for politics and efforts to ensure social justice doesn’t end with Marist. He attended the 2020 Democratic Primary in New Hampshire through the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. Palmer credits the trip as an eye-opener, and, when the time is right, he plans to run for political office himself. For now, he is continuing to work towards his master’s degree in an MPA program while remaining focused on tackling every new challenge the President’s Office has to offer with the hard work and positive attitude he’s developed from a young age.  

“Working with my colleagues on problems is rewarding, especially knowing we are going to find a solution,” Palmer said. “I am constantly learning from my colleagues to be a better professional and continuously learning new ways to problem-solve.”