Doug Palmer, who had served as executive associate dean under Conoley, becomes interim dean upon the departure of Dean Conoley. He is eventually appointed as fifth dean of the college and is the only internal candidate to become acting dean. During his tenure, Palmer expands research endeavors and student centered initiatives.
Two new centers of research are approved by the Board of Regents: the Center on Disability and Development and the Center for Sport Management Research and Education. This, coupled with an unprecedented $26 million in new grant awards, set a new boom in discovery and leadership within the college.
The student population grows at an unprecedented rate. In 2005, undergraduate enrollment reached 4,116 students representing a 30% increase since 2000. Initiatives like the Lohman Learning Communities and the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center establish the college as a leader on campus for student achievement and retainment in their first year.