This week, I sat down with Alyssa Palmer (Office of Campus and Student Life) to talk about her interests, hobbies, and experience at Andrews. She explains some of the motivations and how she has ended up where she is today.
Tell us about yourself! (Hobbies, interests, facts, etc.)
You wouldn’t be able to tell by my accent, but I was born in Jamaica and lived there for the first eight years of my life. My family later migrated to the Cayman Islands, where we lived for two years before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I love gardening, taking long walks, and watching British period dramas.
Why did you decide to study law in your undergrad years? What were some of your incentives/motivations?
I have a passion for public health policy, which drove me to pursue a law degree. I was motivated to increase access to healthcare for children and wanted to effect change through legislative advocacy. I did that as a program manager for three years with the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin before coming to Andrews.
What are some of the things you are involved with on campus?
I wear a dual hat here at Andrews. As the Assistant Vice President for Campus and Student Life, I serve as the vice chair for the Student Life Conduct Council, the parent and supporter liaison, and the supervisor for the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership, and Activities (SILA). As Title IX Coordinator, I coordinate the institution’s compliance with Title IX legislation, including receiving notices of sex-based harassment and overseeing formal grievance processes.
What are your plans for the future from here?
I would like to continue supporting students through my work as a Dean and Title IX Coordinator. I have enjoyed my time growing and developing in this field. There is always something new to learn and that keeps me on my toes.
How did you decide to come to Andrews? What do you like/dislike about AU?
My husband, Dr. Rodney Palmer, was invited to join the faculty of the Department of Religion and Biblical Languages. We felt God opening this door, so we made the decision to come to Andrews. It was at Andrews that I fell in love with the field of Title IX. I appreciate that at Andrews, I have been encouraged to grow professionally in this area. As a city girl, I sometimes wish AU was closer to the city, but Berrien Springs does grow on you. I like to remind myself that I get the best of both worlds an hour and a half away from Grand Rapids or Chicago but without the traffic.
Do you have any advice for the current AU students?
When I was in college, someone once said I should enjoy this time because I was living the best time of my life. I brushed it off then, but in hindsight, there was wisdom in those words. Enjoy your college experience: travel, meet new people, learn new things. You won’t regret it.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.