Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Palmer served as the Director of Athletics at Mount Ida College from 1987 to 2010. Dr. Palmer directed the school's transition from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to NCAA Division III.

Her love and passion for the athletic programs and every student-athlete that has participated in sport at the college was visible everyday throughout her tenure as Director.

Dr. Palmer orchestrated tremendous growth in the athletic department from the former National Junior College governance structure (1987) into the active membership of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the fall of 2002.  While at Mount Ida, she saw 24 championship banners go on the wall and seven teams participate in NCAA tournaments.  Varsity sports grew from three to 13 during her tenure, which also directed building of the athletic center and football stadium.  Both a professor and administrator, Dr. Palmer understood the critical importance of weaving a balanced academic and athletic experience for student-athletes to maximize their person and professional growth. 

A truly gifted athlete, corporate fitness specialist, and sport educator, Dr. Palmer’s credentials speak for themselves.  She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport in 1966, M.S.P.E from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 1971 and a D.P.E. from Springfield College in 1981.

In addition to her 1999 induction in the Mount Ida College athletics Hall of Fame, Palmer is formerly acknowledged as a Hall-of-Fame member of the University of Bridgeport in 1991 and Concord-Carlisle Regional High School in 1993. 

The impact Dr. Palmer made on every student-athlete that has walked through her door is something that will never be forgotten.

Palmer, who is also the former Commissioner of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC), went on to head the department of sport management at Mount Ida after serving as the Athletic Director for 23 years.