By The Message Staff
After an extensive national search, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel has appointed Dr. Douglas Palmer to serve as the first President of Washington Catholic High School, effective April 13.
In his professional career, Dr. Palmer has devoted many years to Catholic education. He comes to Washington Catholic with a long commitment to Catholic education as a professor, dean, provost and president at Catholic universities. He previously served on the board of Canton Central Catholic High School in Canton, Ohio; as Athletic Director of St. Peter’s School (K-8) in Canton, Ohio; and as interim cross country coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville, Ohio.
Dr. Palmer earned a doctorate from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in history from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of North Carolina-Asheville.
Father Paul Ferguson, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish and Washington Catholic Schools and Dean of the Diocese’s North Deanery, said, “As Pastor of Our Lady of Hope and Washington Catholic Schools I am very excited to have Dr. Doug Palmer on our team. He has exceptional experience in education and is very inspirational. I believe that Dr. Palmer will be a leader that can inspire and build community here in our Washington Campus. Dr. Palmer is a visionary and will bring new direction and guidance to the future of Catholic education here in the Daviess County.”
Dr. Palmer said, “I’m deeply humbled and honored to have been selected to serve Our Lady of Hope parish, the Diocese of Evansville, and most of all the teachers, staff, students, families and alumni of Washington Catholic schools.”
Diocese of Evansville Superintendent of Schools Michelle Priar said, “I’m thrilled that Dr. Palmer is joining Washington Catholic as their new president. His commitment to the Catholic Church, combined with his professional experience in Catholic education, makes him well-suited for this position. I’m looking forward to working with him and the Washington Catholic leadership team to advance the mission of the school and parish.”
Dr. Palmer and his wife, Catherine (Cathy), have three sons, Theo, 21; Charlie, 17; and Jack, 14. Theo is graduating this spring from St. Louis University with a degree in International Relations and Catholic studies. Charlie is attending Michigan State in the fall with plans to major in environmental biology. Jack will be a sophomore at Washington Catholic next year.
Dr. Palmer enjoys running and cycling, and he’s completed two marathons, six half-marathons and several bike races. He’s also an avid fly fisherman and enjoys grouse and pheasant hunting.