AD in Residence: Lewis-Clark State AD Ronnie Palmer

Congratulations on your new role! What was your focus in your first 90 days since you have been in the athletic department?

Thank you! My primary focus in the first 90 days has been to deeply understand the culture, strengths, and areas for growth within LC’s athletics. I wanted to build relationships with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff and open lines of communication with them. It’s essential to foster a collaborative environment so we can create a clear path forward. I’m also making a point to listen to the broader campus community/stakeholders to ensure our department aligns with the mission and vision of LC State and the LC Valley.

Why is LC the right place for you? Coming from Division II, what is it about Lewis-Clark and being an NAIA Institution that drew you to this opportunity?

LC has a unique and close-knit community that values the holistic growth of our student-athletes, which is something that really resonates with me. The college’s commitment to balancing academic excellence with athletic achievement aligns well with my own values. Coming from Division II, I’ve seen how impactful athletics can be on a campus culture, and I’m excited to bring that experience to the NAIA level, where the community focus and student-centered approach allow us to build meaningful, lasting relationships.

While NAIA and NCAA Division II have a lot in common—both offer a competitive athletic experience and prioritize balancing academics with athletics—each has a unique vibe and community feel.

How important is it for LCSC to continue to host the NAIA World Series?

Hosting the NAIA World Series is incredibly important to LC. It’s more than just a tournament; it’s a tradition and a point of pride for our campus and the Lewiston community. This event showcases our facilities, our town, and our commitment to athletics on a national stage. It also has a significant economic impact on the area and brings together fans, families, and alumni. We are committed to keeping this tradition alive and enhancing the experience for everyone involved.

LC saw a 16.5% increase in freshman enrollment. What has and can athletics at LC do to support enrollment growth for the institution?

Athletics can be a powerful tool for drawing students to campus. A successful athletic program creates a buzz and sense of pride that extends beyond the teams themselves. We plan to leverage this momentum by building more community engagement opportunities and expanding our recruiting efforts, ensuring prospective students see LC as a place where they can thrive both athletically and academically. Collaborating with our admissions team to showcase our facilities, coaches, and student-athlete success stories is also key.

What have you identified as the keys to success for athletics at LC State? How do you plan on supporting those keys?

The keys to success lie in providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to excel in the classroom, on the field, and as individuals. This means strengthening support in areas like academic advising, mental health, and professional development, as well as fostering a winning culture built on respect, accountability, and teamwork. We’re also focused on maintaining our top-notch facilities and providing the resources our coaching staffs need to be successful. By investing in these areas, we’re setting the stage for sustainable success.

How do you go about prioritizing setting a vision and what initiatives you will tackle first? And what’s the biggest challenge on your plate over the next year that you are excited to tackle?

Setting a vision starts with assessing where we currently stand and listening to feedback from our stakeholders. From there, it’s about setting realistic, actionable goals that build toward our long-term vision of elevating LC athletics. My priority initiatives include enhancing student-athlete services, developing/fostering community partnerships, and bolstering alumni relations to increase support for our programs. The biggest challenge I’m looking forward to is expanding new revenue-generating ideas and sources. It’s a big task, but one that will position LC State to support our student-athletes and help us compete at a high level.