In Memory of Dr. Anthony Palma

Phoenix, Arizona
February 28, 2023
Keilah Villa

Dr. Anthony Palma has earned his heavenly reward. Dr. Palma was a professor of theology, Greek, and New Testament at American Indian College from 1990-1993. Upon his retirement, he received the title Professor Emeritus. Dr. Palma impacted the lives of many during his time at AIC. Here’s a bit from Jackie Holgate, an AIC alumni, board member, and Navajo pastor:

“Having spent 4 years in Bible college at AIC in the 90s, I have had so many highlights and great experiences. I was privileged to be prepared for ministry, make great friends, grow in my faith, travel throughout many Native Reservations to preach and play basketball for the school, and even met my life partner, Lenora. I was greatly honored to meet so many incredible people during that time. People like Charlie Lee, Jim Dempsey, Alma Thomas, Betty Hanna, Jim Lopez, Dr. Dave Moore, and Dr. Anthony D. Palma, a scholar in Biblical studies and Greek & Hebrews language.”

“Some of my fondest memories of Dr. Palma include when we would have amazing dialogues about the Scriptures, theology, and life in general inside and outside the classroom. He had an amazing insight on many topics that helped shape my thinking and Bible interpretation in hermeneutics and homiletics classes. He encouraged his students to never take a text out of context because of a pretext error due to our lack of discipline to study. He told us to ask all the questions before giving an attempt to interpretation a text. In the end, Dr. Palma would always tease us that we can believe it how we want to believe it, but he will believe it “God’s way” with his New American Standard Bible open and a smile on his face. Thank you, Dr. Palma, for your investment in the lives of many Native students at AIC.”

Alumni, faculty, and staff of SAGU American Indian College are grateful for the kingdom impact Dr. Palma had during his time here. Please keep his family in your prayers.