Michael E. Crawford, chancellor of the Palmer Chiropractic University system since its inception in 1991, has revealed his intent to retire on July 1. The board of trustees at Palmer accepted his request. His departure will draw to a close Crawford’s 35-year career in higher education.

“Having been with Palmer the last decade has been an exciting and rewarding time,” said Crawford, a former Palmer trustee and certificate holder. “Palmer’s future prospects are bright.”

Vickie A. Palmer, chairwoman of the board of trustees, issued a statement thanking the chancellor for his “tremendous contributions to the cause of Palmer Chiropractic and the development of the Palmer Chiropractic University system.” She spoke about his tenure after an October board meeting in Folsom, Calif.

“Crawford has demonstrated a passionate commitment to both educational excellence and the chiropractic mission. It was with considerable regret that the board accepted Crawford’s plan to retire,” Vickie A. Palmer said. She added that she and the board executive committee will be working on a plan to name a successor before he retires.

Crawford, who had extensive experience as an educational administrator for multicampus institutions before joining Palmer, was hired when Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, Calif, were brought together under a single board of trustees in 1991. The system’s newest campus opened its doors in Port Orange, Fla, on October 7, 2002.

Also during Crawford’s tenure, the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, the Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement, and the Palmer Foundation for Chiropractic History were established as separate entities of the University system. Palmer also became involved internationally, working to support chiropractic education in Brazil and New Zealand.

“The success of the research center is especially gratifying in view of the fact it has been awarded the first-ever federal dollars to address the vital need for chiropractic research,” Crawford said.

After his retirement, Crawford and his wife, Ginger, plan to remain in the Davenport area, close to their family. Crawford plans to continue to work for the University system in a consulting capacity for a period of time.

“It’s gratifying and more than a little nostalgic to look back over the years and think about all the wonderful people with whom I have worked,” Crawford said. “Many continue to be good friends to this day.”

Recognizing achievements in academics and community service, Life Chiropractic College West’s Alumni Association named Beau Casey its 2002 Student of the Year in October. Casey’s award was presented during the Hayward, Calif-based college’s annual Science, Philosophy, and Art Day on October 17, 2002.

Casey, who graduated in December 2002, was selected for the honor because of his solid academic standing and numerous contributions to Life West, the college’s community, and the chiropractic profession.

In addition to this accolade, he has also earned the college’s Student Achievement Award twice and was chosen Student of the Quarter by the Student Council.

Along with his studies and clinical internship duties, Casey was involved in a number of campus activities, including serving as the student activities coordinator for 2½ years. The San Diego native was also active with the Student International Chiropractors Association and the World Congress of Chiropractic Students, in which he served as the Life West’s chapter vice president and attended two world conferences. In addition, he was a contributing writer for the student newspaper, LifeLines.

His community service experience includes involvement with the Culture Shock Dance Troupe, a nonprofit dance troupe for kids from low-income urban areas. In addition, he has volunteered his time with the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition, a local homeless shelter.

“This school, by far, has to be the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life,” Casey said. “I feel that I have grown in many ways. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by some of the brightest and most amazing people—the administration, faculty, staff, and students. I am proud to be a graduate of Life West. There is so much potential here, and I hope that the students tap into it to make their time here as great as possible.”

Prior to attending Life West, Casey attended Mesa City College in San Diego, Calif, and Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia.