From 8th grade education to a Ph.D. in one generation

Dr. Louann Bierlein Palmer, professor of educational leadership, grew up in the small farming community of Richville, Michigan. Her parents were farmers, both coming from generations of farmers, and as such they graduated from 8th grade and then left school to work on their family farms. “My mother's father died when she was 13 and she needed to quit school to help her mother with the farm, and my father quit since that is what farmer's sons did back then,” explained Palmer. 

Although she had no real college preparation from her high school (since most students in the community did not go to college), her parents were very supportive of her going to college and fully funded her way. “My mother was very disappointed that she never was able to attend high school, and therefore education was very important to her; my father was very supportive as well,” she said. With their financial help, she attended Michigan State University (MSU) and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Science/Biology. The next fall, she taught her first year as a middle school science and math teacher in Allegan, Michigan. 

When the auto industry went bust, and mileages were not passing, she ended up moving to Tucson, Arizona to continue her middle school science teaching career. Her school there paid for graduate credits and since she loved to learn she received her Master’s of Education from the University of Arizona in Educational Administration. From there she earned a doctorate from Northern Arizona University almost by accident! “Back then, you had to go to graduate school at least one-year full time to get your state administrative certification. I did my one year at Northern Arizona University, and then stayed on to complete my doctorate degree in Educational Administration there,” Palmer explained. 

Her parents were sad to see her leave Michigan, but are quite proud of her success, and that of her siblings as well. Palmer’s oldest sister also graduated from MSU with a criminal justice degree and her brother received a two-year agriculture degree from there as well. Going from 8th grade educations in one generation to college degrees in the next is very impressive! 

“Being a farmer's daughter taught me the value of hard work and effort. Being a first-generation college student helps me remember what it was like to not have a clue about higher education. I keep this in mind when supporting my students,” shared Palmer. “I try to remember that first generation students and their parents don't know what they don't know. I was fortunate that I had the privilege of financial support from my parents, and thanks to sheer determination, hard work, and some luck, I completed my teaching degree. Therefore, I spend lots of time helping my students understand the system, and the many unspoken hidden rules of higher education. I have very high expectations, but am more patient with those who are trying hard and need additional time and/or support.” 

This kind of support is not uncommon at Western Michigan University. Palmer believes that most WMU faculty care deeply about the quality of their teaching and the success of their students. Such faculty go above and beyond for their students, and offer additional opportunities as needed to help them find success. 

With support from faculty and others, coupled with hard work and effort, all Broncos have opportunities to have their dreams realized.