Kelly D Palmer

Kelly D Palmer is an Assistant Professor in the History, Geography and Legal Studies Department at The University of Tampa, within the College of Social Sciences Mathematics and Education. Her academic focus centers on modern European history, with particular expertise in French history, the Holocaust, and World War II humanitarian efforts.

Her educational background includes:

• B.A. from Michigan State University (1991)
• M.A. from Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver (2002)
• Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2010)

Professor Palmer's research delves into the history of modern Europe, with a concentration on France, the Holocaust, and European postwar historical memory. She is currently completing an article on the American Friends Service Committee and Jewish rescue in World War II France, and another on Roswell McClelland's work with the American Friends Service Committee and War Refugee Board. Her upcoming project examines women humanitarian workers in the American Friends Service Committee during WWII. Her teaching covers World History from 1500, the Holocaust, Twentieth-Century Europe, and other European history courses.

Her notable scientific awards and grants include:

• Chosen as a university-wide applicant for the 2023 National Endowment of the Humanities Summer Stipends Program
• Pollock Research Grant (2021)
• Grant from the Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Committee for an inquiry-based course (2020)
• College of Social Sciences Mathematics and Education Award for Outstanding Teacher (2018-2019)
• UCDALI Professional Development Grant (Spring 2016)
• CU Online Course Development Grant (Fall 2015)
• Nominee for College of Arts and Letters at the University of Colorado of Denver, Teaching Excellence Award (2013-2014)
• Dissertation Completion Fellowship, College of Social Science, Michigan State University (2010)
• Kussy Scholarship for Study of the Holocaust, James Madison College, Michigan State University (2008)
• International Studies Program Pre-dissertation Research Fellowship, International Studies Program, Michigan State University (2007)
• Muelder-Lowe Graduate Award, Department of History, Michigan State University (2007)
• Summer Research Enhancement Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2007)
• Summer Research Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2006)
• Summer Research Language Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2005)
• Somers Award for Excellence and Creativity in Teaching, Center for Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities, Michigan State University (2005)
• Recruitment Fellowship, Department of History, Michigan State University (2003-2004)

Professor Palmer has secured significant grant funding for her research and teaching. Notable grants include:

• Pollock Research Grant (2021) for her research on WWII humanitarian efforts.
• Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Committee Grant (2020) for an inquiry-based course.
• UCDALI Professional Development Grant (2016)
• CU Online Course Development Grant (2015)

She also mentors students through an internship program with the Florida Holocaust Museum, facilitating student placements and collaborative educational events.

Professor Palmer collaborates closely with the Florida Holocaust Museum, where she has developed an internship program for students and co-organizes speaker events and educational activities. This partnership serves as a key platform for her students' experiential learning and community engagement.