Lance Palmer received his bachelors and MBA degrees from The University of Utah and his doctorate degree from Utah State University. He is a co-founder of the University of Georgia (UGA) Financial Planning major where he continues to teach courses in financial planning with a focus on tax planning. He is a Certified Financial Planner^® professional.

Dr. Palmer has served on multiple editorial boards and as President of the Academy of Financial Services. He was selected as a 2007 Lilly Teaching Fellow, he is a recipient of the 2010 Richard B. Russell Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, and he received the 2013 Engaged Scholar Award. Working closely with Georgia United Credit Union, Dr. Palmer has helped to expand the service-learning Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Athens, Georgia. Under his supervision, students studying financial planning and accounting complete approximately 1,300 tax returns for families in the local community each year. His students also provide thousands of hours of financial education and planning assistance to tax filers during the tax preparation process. Dr. Palmer is also affiliated with the University of Georgia ASPIRE Clinic.

Dr. Palmer’s research has focused on motivating savings among low- and moderate-income tax filers through brief intervention strategies. His research has also explored how service-learning participation helps to prepare students for professional work. Dr. Palmer is also author to Introduction to Personal Finance: Beginning Your Financial Journey.