By: Jess Meyer

“We make decisions based on what serves students best,” says Dr. Carol A. Palmer, President of Amberton University. “That’s the simplest test. And, honestly? It often works.”

Focused Leadership With Industry Experience

Dr. Carol A. Palmer became the university’s third president after years of working both in higher education and in industry. This dual background allows her to view the university through the lens of both educator and employer; a unique perspective that many institutions may not fully embrace.

“When they hired me, they didn’t want another career academic,” says Dr. Palmer. “They wanted someone who understands how businesses think, how students learn, and what the workforce increasingly requires.”

Her leadership has helped sharpen Amberton’s mission: to offer degrees that connect to meaningful opportunities, eliminate unnecessary costs, and continuously adapt to evolving job market demands.

No Tenure. No Bureaucracy. Total Accountability.

Amberton operates without tenure. Faculty work on one-year contracts and are evaluated annually. This model encourages a culture of performance, continuous improvement, and relevance.

Most instructors hold a terminal degree. More importantly, they also actively work in their field, bringing up-to-date expertise into the classroom. Students benefit from learning directly from practicing professionals, including executives, licensed counselors, and industry leaders, rather than academic theorists alone.

Dr. Palmer explains that they want professors to bring “fresh knowledge” into every class. She believes that when faculty remain active in their field, they’re not just teaching concepts. They’re imparting valuable, real-world experience.

Clear, Affordable Pricing

Amberton’s leadership is committed to rejecting the pricing games often seen in higher education. There are no inflated tuition rates followed by complex scholarships. There are no hidden fees buried deep in fine print.

Graduate tuition is set at $325 per credit hour. A 30-hour master’s degree can be completed for around $11,000. The largest 60-hour programs, such as Clinical Mental Health Counseling, average $22,500.

And every cost is transparently published on Amberton’s website. Prospective students do not need to provide personal information to access program details, either.

“We don’t want to make students jump through hoops to discover the price,” Dr. Palmer explains. “They deserve to see it all upfront.”

Serving Adults Who Want Results

Amberton was founded specifically to serve adult learners. The average student age is 38. Most are already employed, balancing work, family, and school.

Courses are scheduled around busy lives:

• Four 10-week terms per year

• Weeknight classes held once weekly

• Saturday courses meeting only five times per term

Dr. Palmer reiterates that they don’t require their students to fit into a “rigid mold.” Instead, they offer flexible structures so that adults can succeed on their own terms.

Academic Overhaul Driven by Common Sense

Under Dr. Palmer’s leadership, Amberton completed a full academic redesign. Every course was updated to include:

• Clearly defined acquired skills

• Embedded AI competencies customized for each field

• Enhanced ethics content in line with Amberton’s Christian foundation

This overhaul ensures that every student, regardless of major, leaves with measurable, marketable skills.

For example:

• Finance students graduate with practical knowledge of financial planning and risk analysis.

• Counseling students develop trauma counseling techniques and AI-enhanced client assessments.

• Business students apply AI-driven decision-making to real-world leadership scenarios.

“These are skills students can list directly on a resume,” Dr. Palmer emphasizes. “Employers are increasingly looking for tangible evidence of ability. Vague credentials don’t tend to make an impact in today’s marketplace.”

Relevant Degrees, Not Hollow Credentials

Amberton continues to expand its program offerings with a careful focus on industries experiencing real growth. New degrees include:

• Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence

• MBA in Finance

• Master of Healthcare Administration

• Master of Science in Training & Development

In addition, the university’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program remains one of its strongest and most sought-after offerings. Students in that program consistently pass state licensing exams and enter a field that faces growing demand.

As Dr. Palmer puts it: “There’s no room for degrees that don’t hold value. We build programs where there’s clear demand, real opportunity, and a solid return on investment.”

Strong Outcomes That Reflect Their Mission

Amberton’s leadership measures success through student results. Recent data show:

• 97% of eligible students were employed while enrolled.

• 60% of graduates received promotions or salary increases during or shortly after completing their degree.

• 90% credit their studies at Amberton for advancing their careers.

Graduation rates for working adults also remain above national averages. Amberton’s eight-year completion rate for graduate students is 50%.

“These numbers matter because they represent real lives changing,” Dr. Palmer says.

Christian Values, Professional Standards

Amberton’s leadership team continues to honor the institution’s Christian foundation. All staff affirm the university’s faith-based values, but no religious affiliation is required for admission.

Service excellence is built into daily operations through Amberton’s Six Pillars of Service:

• Welcoming

• Knowledgeable

• Professional

• Initiative

• Excellence

• Communication

These principles guide how faculty and staff interact with students, ensuring respect, clarity, and support.

“We know our students. They are working professionals, parents, and leaders,” says Dr. Palmer. “They deserve a university that treats them as peers, not just numbers.”

Final Word

Amberton University’s leadership has developed a model that stands in contrast to many of higher education’s ongoing challenges. Through transparent pricing, practical degrees, accountable faculty, and unwavering focus on the working adult, Amberton is demonstrating that common sense still has a place in higher education.

“We’re not here to follow fleeting trends,” says Dr. Palmer. “We’re here to focus on what works. That’s what sets us apart.”

To explore Amberton University’s programs, visit Amberton University.