Life U Goes On

Guy F. Riekeman, DC, newly appointed Life University president, shares Life’s journey back to accreditation, future goals, and the overwhelming support from the Life family.

It wouldn’t have taken much to get discouraged over the past 2 years. Life University’s journey has been eventful, traveling the lowest valleys one day and hitting the highest peaks the next.For me, this journey’s lesson is twofold: 1) Life’s alumni and supporters are among the strongest, most resilient people I’ve ever met; and 2) I truly believe in the power of one—the idea that it only takes one person or one vision to make lasting change.

Even as we have emerged from a rough period, we must remember that where we are today cannot compare to where we will be tomorrow. With support and assistance from the entire Life family, we have crafted a vision for Life University that combines lessons from the past with the realities of today and, with your help, it will deliver a promising future.

That vision starts with a focus on three key issues: increasing enrollment, balancing the budget, raising funds and reaccreditation.

First, enrollment starts with the admissions department. With the support of key alumni, we are rebuilding admissions, including new procedures, view books, and staff training. Those efforts have enrollment on the upswing by as much as 50%. This summer, enrollment reached a high of 1,104 students. The incoming class for our fall doctor of chiropractic program is expected to include more than 100 new students. Our goal is to have a total of 1,000 DC students enrolled by the end of 2005, which is important for our financial well-being.

Next, Life’s financial disciplines have been overhauled by our new vice president of Finance and Operations, Bill Jarr. Life’s finances are now stabilizing. and fund-raising has exceeded our expectations. We look forward to reaching our goal of $3.5 million by September 30.

Finally, the long road to an answer regarding reaccreditation is almost complete, including an exhaustive self-study of the campus by our entire faculty and administration under the direction of our new provost, Brian McAulay, DC. The faculty and administration are preparing the campus for our Council on Chiropractic Education visit in late August and our Southern Association of Colleges and Schools visit in November. If all goes as hoped, by December 7, Life’s years of accreditation questions will end positively with the school fully accredited.

Along with our strengthened focus, new leadership and new ideas are helping move this vision for Life forward. In addition to myself, two former Palmer University leaders have come aboard: the aforementioned Provost McAulay and Tim Gross, DC, our new dean of clinics. I have also mentioned another fresh face, Bill Jarr, who has made great strides in Life’s finance department. Also, the board of trustees has engaged a consultant from Harvard University to assist with governance issues and expanding the board to include new members with specific expertise in academics and finance.

The new ideas include a focus on creative activities for our undergraduate programs in nutrition, business, and science and expanding our masters in sports health science program. New ideas also mean expansive plans for clinics, pediatric, and spinal/neurological research and developing innovative curriculum for all degree programs.

On any journey, there are moments where one assesses progress and determines new goals. We have created a new three-phase plan that should bring us closer to our destination. From now until December 31, we anticipate completing the accreditation process, raising $3 million to $5 million, and completing the rebuilding of critical departments, such as admissions.

From January to December 2005, we will continue building our enrollment and create a long-term strategic plan involving the entire Life community. The final phase on this leg of our journey is to implement the strategic plan, attract private research dollars, and expand our faculty.

This stage of Life University’s journey has taught us all lessons but none better than the power of one. If not for the individual efforts of each and every member of the Life family, it is not likely that Life University would have survived.

Instead, Life is emerging proudly from its 2-year struggle. Everyone in the Life family is bound by the code of enhancing each person’s potential by perpetuating the principles of a lasting purpose. We give, love, and serve out of our personal abundance. Our supporters have done just that, so that we all could continue on our journey.