Kent Pilcher is co-owner
of Estes Construction in
Davenport, Iowa, which
constructs projects in
Eastern Iowa and North
Central Illinois. With more
than 30 years of experience
in construction, he is responsible
for all day-today
operations at Estes.
A George F. Baker Scholar,
in 1980 Mr. Pilcher received his Bachelor of Arts degree in
Business Administration and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Economics at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has served
as past chairman of Master Builders of Iowa, as well as chairman
or president of various civic organizations in Davenport, including
the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, Rejuvenate Davenport
and River Music Experience. Mr. Pilcher is currently on the
boards of Skip-A-Long Daycare and USBank, both in Davenport.
He was appointed to the Palmer Board of Trustees in 2006.
Tell us what strengths you bring to the Board?
I understand the complexities and challenges of a large, diverse
organization and how to create strategies to implement cultural
changes to develop that organization. I also have experience
developing and advancing a consistent brand reputation, both
inside and outside of Palmer, to achieve measurable results.
Having worked on a number of boards has given me a feel for
effective board development and governance.
What issues in the chiropractic profession
or in education concern you most?
Chiropractic has tremendous potential to continue integrating
into the entire healthcare system. The ability of the profession to
agree on how to do this is its greatest challenge. Those involved
with chiropractic must learn to understand and celebrate our
common ground in order to advance the profession; not focus
on the differences. United we advance, divided we fail.
What is your vision of the three campuses
of Palmer College in 25 years?
I foresee strong and vibrant campuses that celebrate Palmer’s
history while looking to the future. There also may be a number
of healthcare partners integrated into our campuses as healthcare
and wellness trends evolve and develop. Lastly, we may
also have “virtual campuses” to provide distance learning over
the Internet for primary and continuing education.
What have you enjoyed most about being
a member of the Board?
It has been particularly gratifying for me to learn about the history
of Palmer, and the role of Palmer and the Palmer family in
the creation, development and growth of chiropractic. I’ve also
been very impressed and inspired by observing the passion and
commitment of other Board members. I believe Palmer is well
served by faculty, staff and a board that care deeply and want to
do what is in the best interest of Palmer, rather than serving any
individual agendas.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I have the privilege of serving on two other boards of higher
education institutions: my alma matter, Coe College, and the
St. Ambrose College of Business Advisory Board in Davenport.
This provides interesting insight into educational and enrollment
trends that may, or may not, apply to Palmer. It is a challenging
time for higher education. The institutions that develop
and execute strategy well will differentiate themselves and
thrive. Those that don’t, won’t.