U Department of Film & Media Arts welcomes new Chair, Professor Tim Palmer

On July 1, 2025, and after a rigorous national search, Tim Palmer, PhD will take the reins as the new Chair of the University of Utah Department of Film & Media Arts. Palmer comes to the U from the University of North Carolina Wilmington where he is wrapping up his service as a professor and the Chair of Film Studies. 

A film historian and prolific scholar, Palmer holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from University of Warwick (in film & literature and film & television, respectively), and earned his PhD in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His primary research interests lie in contemporary French cinema and women in the French film industry. He is also passionate about nurturing filmmakers from unique backgrounds and sees growth potential for that focus here in Utah.

"I can't wait to join the team and get started working as Chair and Professor in Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah,” he said. “Salt Lake City is such a dynamic cultural center, and I see so many possibilities ahead. Global film and media has been my life for happy decades now, and I'm looking forward this new adventure."

Palmer will bring with him the celebrated triannual journal he co-founded “Film Matters,” a peer-reviewed magazine dedicated to “celebrating the work of undergraduate film scholars” for which he is the Co-Editor-in-Chief.

“With great appreciation for all who participated in and provided critical input throughout the search process, we are delighted to be able to welcome Dr. Palmer to this important role,” said John Scheib, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and the Associate Vice President for Arts on campus. “His experience with and expertise in global cinema along with the creative contributions from our faculty and students will be powerful components of our educational enterprise, the international reach of our creative work, and our ability to reflect and impact our society.”

Please join us in welcoming Tim Palmer to the University of Utah!