Palmers Endow $1 Million Chair at CVM
Cancer is one word that strikes fear in people’s hearts, but thanks to the generosity of Dr. Fred and Vola Palmer of Granbury, Texas, the fight against this disease that plagues humans and animals alike has found a unique source of support with the $1 million endowment of the Dr. Fred A. and Vola N. Palmer Chair in Comparative Oncology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
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The CVM has been working to establish collaborations with researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for the purpose of working jointly to study specific types of cancer and new therapeutic concepts.
“The generous support from the Palmers will directly impact our growing oncology program,” said Dr. H. Richard Adams, Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine. “We will be able to continue recruiting renowned oncology specialists that enhance the expertise that we already have on our team and through our collaborations, adding to the creation of new knowledge that directly benefits animal and human health.”
Additionally, plans have been unveiled for the construction of a veterinary cancer and imaging center to be located on the CVM campus. When complete, the facility will house imaging and radiation treatment equipment that is able to be used on both large and small animals.
“By helping the college to develop the comparative oncology program,” added Mrs. Vola Palmer, “we are laying the groundwork for a major component of future research that may lead to discoveries that benefit humans as well as animals.”
With continued support from friends of the college, it is expected that the oncology program with the veterinary cancer center will become not only the nation’s premier destination for treatment of animals with cancer, but the site of groundbreaking research in the ongoing battle to find a cure.
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Palmer received a BS in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M in 1959. After six years with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and a tour of duty with the U. S. Army, Palmer returned to Texas A&M, receiving a BS in Veterinary Science in 1968 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1969. Palmer practiced veterinary medicine for more than 25 years until 1994, when he sold his practice in Bedford, TX. In addition to his support of the CVM, Palmer has also been a true Aggie by serving in many leadership positions through Texas A&M, the 12th Man Foundation, the Association of Former Students, and the Fort Worth/Tarrant County A&M Club. He and his wife Vola now enjoy whitetail deer ranching outside of Granbury, TX.
The Texas A&M Foundation matches donors and their interests with the university’s priorities. Our donors provide the resources that help faculty excel in their fields and students become confident professionals. The Foundation’s wise management of these generous gifts fuels Spirit and Mind. It helps Aggies leave their mark on the world in productive and inventive ways, and ensures a bright future for Texas A&M.
