C-SC Chaplain Reverend Dr. Mandy Tarpening ’99 brought forth the invocation giving thanks for this cherished learning community on The Hill, pausing for gratitude for all who lead and have been good stewards of the College preserving the educational heritage despite all the challenges she has faced. “For such a time as this, You have called Dr. Lauren Schellenberger to lead our community into a bright and hopeful future,” prayed Tarpening. The invocation concluded with a blessing upon Dr. Schellenberger asking Him to place His guiding and steady hand upon her shoulder.

HB Turner, 91ֱ�� chairman of the board of trustees, welcomed everyone to the historic event. “Culver-Stockton’s cherished history is one to build upon, as we look to the future and our 175th year in 2028! A future where we continue to provide the educational experiences and tools needed for our graduates to serve our communities and the world beyond.” Turner continued, “a place to learn about faith and the human spirit, a place to learn unique lifelong skills, such as leadership, critical thinking, judgment, ethics, and service to others.”

Also participating in the ceremony, giving well wishes, sharing stories, and giving praise for her leadership, knowledge, and kindness included Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kim Gaither, President of Higher Education & Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg, Canton Mayor Sharon Upchurch, President and CEO of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Brenda Beshears, President of the Alumni Board Steve Oslica ’80, Student Government Association President Hailey Laurich, Head Athletic Trainer and Senior Lecturer in Athletic Training Robert Carmichael, and Professor of Chemistry and Biology Dr. Mohamed El-Bermawy.

Turner also had the honor of installing President Schellenberger. During the medallion ceremony, he stated, “Dr. Lauren B. Schellenberger, through the selection process, which included students, alumni, staff, faculty, and College friends, you have been elected by the Board of Trustees to serve as president of 91ֱ��. It is my great honor… to install you as the president of 91ֱ�� with all the requisite rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the office. By accepting the president’s medallion, which symbolizes our College’s historic tradition of excellence, you accept the charge to serve with vision, diligence, dedication, energy, and integrity as president of 91ֱ��.”

President Schellenberger’s address included, “…it is truly the transformational nature of a 91ֱ�� education that drew me here 17 years ago, and it’s the transformational student experience and the entrepreneurial spirit that will fuel the growth and sustainability of Culver-Stockton moving forward. And that is what we are doing right now at C-SC–we are moving forward, despite so many things that represent obstacles for higher education today… It is up to us here at C-SC to push back against those obstacles, strong in our belief that what we do here every day makes a difference in the lives of C-SC students, past, present, and future. We are moving forward.”

She concluded with, “…I stand here today with a profound sense of optimism and anticipation for the future of this remarkable institution. I am honored to serve as your president and to work alongside each and every one of you to shape a vibrant and impactful community. Together, we will inspire students of promise to achieve more than they ever expected for generations to come, and together, we are moving forward and changing lives.”

Following the inauguration ceremony, a VIP luncheon was held in the cafeteria. President Schellenberger welcomed everyone and shared her gratitude for their attendance. Board Chair Turner announced a new fund that has been established in President Schellenberger’s honor. “As a part of our continued celebration today it is my honor to announce the establishment of the Culver-Stockton Innovation Fund – The Innovation Fund has been established by alumni and friends in your honor with gifts and pledges of over $100,000 to invest in our future. The Innovation Fund will empower the College’s responsiveness to emerging challenges and opportunities under your leadership by providing seed funding for innovative ideas, initiatives, and programs to support the vision and mission of 91ֱ��.”

The inauguration open-house style reception was held from 1:30-3:00pm in the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center. The casual event allowed faculty, staff, and other guests to stop by and wish President Schellenberger best wishes and enjoy a piece of C-SC-themed cake.

The creativity of staff and students shone brightly during the beach themed “Schellybration”. Not only did the students and guests enjoy grilled burgers and hot dogs but they also enjoyed a DJ, Trevor Greer, and live music from three of their own, “ The Krying Eagles”. Additionally, a beach-themed lemonade drink that included mint leaves and brightly colored umbrellas, a confetti cannon, and outdoor games rounded out the evening of fun.

Turner’s closing remarks were, “It is now time for all aspects of the College to witness this celebration of new leadership for the future of our beloved College and higher education in the region.” For photos of this historic day go to .

“As chairman of the board of trustees, it is my honor to welcome and install Dr. Schellenberger as the 28th president of 91ֱ��, stated H.B. Turner ’79. “For the past 16 years, we have witnessed the impact she has made not only on our students of promise, but also on our campus, faculty, staff, and globally through her numerous travel study courses to Belize and Guatemala. Under her leadership and guidance, I know she will have a major impact on this historic institution of higher education and the Tri-State region and its communities.”

Dr. Schellenberger brings with her a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to higher education. With a deep commitment to the College’s students of promise, academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, President Schellenberger is positioned to lead 91ֱ�� into a new era of growth and achievement.

91ֱ�� is situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop “the Hill” overlooking the Mississippi River. The liberal arts college was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events. For more information about this historic event and the College, go to .

Mr. Ron Leftwich, chairman of the C-SC Board of Trustees, shared that the board members wish Dr. Palmer success in his new position and appreciate his service to the College.  Mr. Leftwich said, “Doug’s forward vision has advanced 91ֱ�� and developed plans that will help the College for the future.”

Under Dr. Palmer’s leadership, the college accomplished the launching of the agricultural business management degree, achieved full 10-year reauthorization of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and established the permanent home for the Tri-State Development through a significant donor.

A search for 91ֱ��’s 28th president will begin shortly.

Dr. Palmer has served as provost, vice president of academic affairs and dean at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, since 2015. He was responsible for academics (five schools and one stand-alone division), enrollment management (for undergraduates, graduates and adults), retention, assessment and institutional effectiveness, the library, the academic resource center, advising, experiential learning, career services and accreditation. He also was secretary for the Board of Trustees, and he was acting president for a portion of 2018 during a medical leave of the president.

“On behalf of the trustees, Culver-Stockton welcomes Dr. Palmer to the College,” said Ron Leftwich ’64, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “He brings strong academic experience and leadership, and we look forward to working with him as the College focuses on the future and enhancing the student experience through our experiential learning curriculum.”

Dr. Palmer’s accomplishments at Walsh include:

• Directing the building design planning and assisting with the development and fundraising for the $11.4 million Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center, a 44,000 square foot facility which opened in 2018.
• Establishing Walsh’s first research institutes – the Institute for Community Health and the Food Design Institute, which were designed to allow faculty, students and guests to work towards solutions on issues that affect local and global communities.
• Developing the Brother Francis Blouin Global Scholars Program, a living-learning community dedicated to developing students as leaders in service with a global perspective, in 2012.
• Adding 11 online programs for adult-degree completion.
• Leading the effort to rebrand and reorganize the adult-learner programs as the Walsh University Digital Campus.
• Spearheading the launch of Walsh’s undergraduate degree program in museum studies, the only program of its kind offered in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.
• Raising funds for two named professorships.
• Leading academic affairs and enrollment management to ensure enrollment and revenue projections to deliver a balanced budget each year.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by the invitation of the Board of Trustees to serve as Culver-Stockton’s 27th president,” Dr. Palmer said. “Culver-Stockton’s focus on students and emphasis on experiential learning tell me that this is a place of creativity and innovation. It is leading in preparing students for the jobs of the 21st century. My family and I can’t wait to meet everyone on ‘the Hill’ and to become part of the Culver-Stockton family. Go Wildcats!”

Dr. Palmer holds a doctorate in European history from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in modern European history from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 2001-02, and he was a research fellow at the Emory University School of Law in 2004-05.

Before taking his current position, Dr. Palmer was the assistant dean of academic innovation and a professor of history at Walsh.

He also served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C., from 1989 to 1993. Both Dr. Palmer and his wife Catherine grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa. Together they have three sons and live in Canton, Ohio.

“Dr. Palmer is the right leader for us based on his passion for experiential learning, his experience with innovative graduate and online programs, and his deep understanding of the value of a small, liberal arts college education.  We are excited to welcome him to the 91ֱ�� family,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.

A reception to introduce Dr. Palmer and his family to the community will be held at a later date.

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