Laura Z. Palmer, who has worked in the Arkansas Tech University Department of Residence Life for the past seven years, has been promoted to ATU associate dean for residence life effective June 1, 2025.
In her new role, Palmer will provide oversight for the operations of 11 residence halls and one apartment community on the ATU campus in Russellville. The ATU Department of Residence Life has a staff of five full-time staff members, 10 graduate assistants and more than 125 student workers. They provide for the safety and comfort of the ATU students who occupy 2,000 beds available for on-campus living.
Palmer’s appointment was announced by Kevin Solomon, ATU dean of student engagement, on Wednesday, May 14.
“Laura loves Arkansas Tech and cares for our students,” said Solomon. “She has worked her way up through our housing office and understands the day-to-day operational details as well as the larger picture of making student housing an integral aspect of the educational process. I look forward to Laura’s leadership of the ATU Department of Residence Life and the positive influence she will continue to have on her colleagues and our students.”
Palmer graduated from Arkansas Tech with a Master of Science degree in college student personnel. She also holds a graduate certificate in student advising from ATU.
A member of the Arkansas Tech staff since 2014, Palmer began her tenure as an administrative specialist in the ATU Department of Professional Studies. She joined the ATU Department of Residence Life as coordinator of marketing and assignments in 2018 before earning a promotion to assistant dean for residence life in 2022.
“By providing clean, well-maintained and safe on-campus student housing, Arkansas Tech emphasizes the student experience and strives to create a home away from home,” said Amy Pennington, ATU vice president for student affairs. “Laura goes above and beyond that standard by also emphasizing the opportunities we have in our residence halls and our apartments to teach life skills that will benefit our students beyond graduation. She has prepared herself for this opportunity, and we look forward to supporting her as she carries out the mission and pursues the vision of the ATU Department of Residence Life.”
Palmer streamlined processes to increase efficiency and student satisfaction, created a marketing plan for residence life and developed housing transition and move-in plans over her three years as assistant dean.
“I am committed to supporting students and creating a collaborative atmosphere among colleagues at all levels,” said Palmer. “I deeply value teamwork, integrity and responsibility. I am eager to bring these qualities to my new role as associate dean. It is an honor to continue to serve Arkansas Tech in this new capacity.”
Visit www.atu.edu/reslife to learn more about the ATU Department of Residence Life.
