Palmer College of Chiropractic will see a shift in its executive leadership this month as Barbara Melbourne, vice chancellor for institutional advancement, retires after a successful career and Clare Thompson steps into the role.
In a Wednesday, Jan. 7, news release, Palmer College said Ms. Melbourne is retiring at the end of January after a distinguished career in higher education and nonprofit advancement.
At the college for nearly a decade, Ms. Melbourne was described as a driving force behind the central Davenport institution’s most successful fundraising and engagement efforts in history. The $30.2 million “Daring and Driven” campaign drove major capital improvements and endowment growth for Palmer and its two campuses. (In addition to Davenport’s main campus, Palmer operates a branch campus in Port Orange, Florida.)
Under her leadership, Palmer strengthened its culture of philanthropy, expanded alumni and donor engagement, the release said. It also clarified a bold institutional narrative centered on Palmer’s mission of advancing a world of unlimited health and human potential.
Ms. Thompson is an experienced advancement leader with more than 20 years in fundraising and alumni relations. She previously served as Palmer’s executive director of advancement. She also played a central role in the “Daring and Driven” campaign by significantly increasing philanthropic support and alumni participation.
The transition reflects Palmer’s commitment to continuity, mission-driven leadership, and sustained philanthropic growth, the college said in announcing the cabinet-level change.
“Barb’s impact on Palmer College is profound and lasting,” Palmer Chancellor and CEO Dr. Dennis Marchiori said in the release. “She is a rare leader who combines strategic excellence with deep humanity. Her work has advanced this institution and inspired belief in our mission, our future, and in the people who make Palmer what it is. We are deeply grateful for her service and leadership.”
‘Extraordinary honor’
According to Palmer, the world’s first and largest chiropractic college, Ms. Melbourne’s influence also extended to mentorship, team development, and national leadership within the advancement profession.
“It has been an extraordinary honor to serve Palmer College,” she said in the release. “This institution, its alumni, and its mission have meant so much to me. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the relationships that have shaped my time here.”
She added “Palmer’s future is bright, and I look forward to cheering it on in the years ahead.”
Ms. Thompson’s appointment will return her to Palmer after serving most recently as Western Illinois University’s vice president for advancement, alumni relations, and athletics.
“Clare brings exceptional experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a collaborative
leadership style,” Dr. Marchiori said. “She understands Palmer, she understands advancement, and she understands the importance of aligning generosity with mission.”
He added “We are confident she is the right leader to build on Barb’s legacy and guide Palmer’s advancement efforts forward.”
Ms. Thompson shared her excitement over returning to work again with chiropractic education leader’s alumni and donors.
“Palmer College holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “I am honored to step into this role and continue to grow generosity and alumni participation. I look forward to working with alumni, donors, and partners to advance Palmer’s mission and support the students and communities we serve.”
