A generous gift from industrial and organizational psychologist, and retired financial services human resources executive Susan Nolan Palmer ’67 is helping Mary Baldwin University (MBU) launch a new named college: The Palmer College of Professional Studies will overhaul current online learning experiences and add targeted new programs for nontraditional students.
“We’re going to build on MBU’s extensive track record of innovation to deliver cutting-edge, online and hybrid educational experiences that prepare students to meet the needs of the new economy, and help them graduate into jobs,” said Chief Online Officer Will Webb, who is leading the expansion and will serve as the vice president of the Palmer College.
In 1977 Mary Baldwin became Virginia’s first institution of higher education to offer degree tracks that catered to nontraditional learners. Participants studied at satellite centers positioned throughout the state while continuing to work and raise families. Accelerated classes, skills-based training for workplace promotability, and enhanced flexibility were hallmarks.
Webb calls MBU’s new Palmer College a similar evolution for the digital age.