wfn.org | Palmer named interim Division of Higher Education

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

president
August 23, 1996
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Cliff_Willis.parti@ecunet.org
     
96b-74  
  
     ST. LOUIS (DNS) -- The Rev. Lester D. Palmer has been
named interim president of the Division of Higher Education
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

     Palmer's interim appointment was made by the DHE board
of directors, meeting here Aug. 17. He assumes his new
duties Sept. 1. A taskforce is currently looking at the
mission and structure of the division, according to the Rev.
Karen Frank-Plumlee, board vice chairperson.

     An Indianapolis resident, Palmer retired July 31 after
serving as president of the Pension Fund of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) for the past 13 years. His
retirement capped a 30-year career with the church's pension
and retirement planning unit.  

     "Lester Palmer has distinguished himself through his
Disciples service in so many ways," said Frank-Plumlee,
Montana regional minister. "We at the Division of Higher
Education are delighted that he has chosen to extend that
dedicated service to benefit this division."

     The new interim executive brings a proven record of
administrative leadership and financial expertise to the
position, according to DHE board members. This is essential
in the ever-changing education environment, the group added.
Palmer also is known as one of the denomination's
outstanding speakers and preachers. 

     Because of several previously scheduled obligations for
the fall, Palmer will devote three days a week to the
position, said Frank-Plumlee.  

     The Division of Higher Education serves as the primary
liaison between congregations of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) and the 25 Disciples-related colleges
and universities, seminaries and divinity houses, and the
Disciples Seminary Foundation. It also supports the church's
higher education ministry through Disciples and ecumenical
campus ministries.

     Palmer succeeds G. Curtis Jones, who accepted the
presidency of Phillips University, Enid, Okla., in May.

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