April 2004

Riekeman named Life president

When Palmer College of Chiropractic announced in February that its Board of Trustees "voted to accept the resignation of Guy F. Riekeman, D.C., chancellor of the Palmer Chiropractic University System, effective immediately," most of the student body, and the profession, was stunned. It was clear that the resignation was prompted by increasing tension and disagreement between the president and the board.

Supporters quickly mobilized to pressure the Board into reinstating the popular chiropractic leader, circulating petitions and launching a letter‑writing campaign. Less than a month after the announcement, however, the "Save Riekeman" efforts were brought to an abrupt halt by the news that he was offered, and had accepted, the position of president at Life University.

Although Palmer still faced criticism from some quarters, and continued working to explain the reasons for its actions, Riekeman's transfer to Life allowed the school to proceed with its administrative restructuring.

In a statement dated March 4, 2004, the Palmer Board explained: "In the heat of the moment, some have suggested that Dr. Riekeman was forced out. The board took the action required to ensure that its oversight role was preserved, that its policies were followed and that communication was properly restored. There was no intent to force Dr. Riekeman to leave Palmer. Others have said that Dr. Riekeman was forced to resign because he resisted an effort to take the Palmer colleges toward a 'medical model.' This is not true. Palmer has no intent of abandoning The Palmer Tenets that were established a number of years ago through a process that included all Palmer constituencies. These Tenets form the basis of the chiropractic model that Palmer follows and that it will continue to follow. They are in place today and will continue to be the Palmer framework for the future."

Meanwhile, at Life University, the news was met with excitement and optimism. The school has endured serious challenges during the past year and although it has regained full CCE accreditation, it still struggles to overcome the financial setback caused by the loss of accreditation in 2002.

Riekeman will take office immediately, succeeding Ben DeSpain, who helped the school survive its most difficult months of transition and uncertainty. Besides being credited with helping stem a mass student exodus to other schools, Dr. DeSpain is credited with the cultural change that heralded the new era in education at Life. DeSpain and his administration won the court injunction against the CCE, restoring accreditation and convinced the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) during a special hearing to grant Life an additional year to address its remaining concerns.

People knowledgeable in accreditation processes understand that this is very rare and those close to the situation report that it was because of SACS' confidence in DeSpain and his administration that the unusual request was granted. In effect, DeSpain created accreditation history with the events that transpired under his tenure.

His accomplishments went beyond restoring Life's accreditation. In addition, he fostered a positive academic environment, granting true academic freedom and maintaining a standard of honesty, dignity and respect. The Student WCA chapter was formed on the Life campus after receiving approval from DeSpain. His many admirers --  particularly among faculty members ‑‑ agree that, were it not for DeSpain and his ability to develop the team to accomplish what it did, Life would not have survived. A "Thank You" reception for him was held March 17.

Despite their respect for DeSpain, most students and faculty members were excited about the prospect of having Riekeman head their school.

"Dr. Riekeman epitomizes Life's fundamental commitments to chiropractic scholarship, teaching and service to others," commented Chairman of the Board, Charles Ribley, D.C. "His character and outstanding human qualities have made Dr. Riekeman a valued colleague among chiropractic educators and an inspiration to students.

"Dr. Riekeman is the ideal person to lead this University and to inspire all of us in the Life University family to join with him in enhancing Life's many contributions to higher education, research and to humanity at large," Ribley added.

President Riekeman's educational credentials include service as an x‑ray instructor, dean of philosophy and vice president of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. While at Sherman, Riekeman worked in development and student recruitment, and assisted in the planning and building of the school's current campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

"Dr. Riekeman is an accomplished chiropractor who has made contributions to the profession on an international level, and is certain to lead Life University into a new era of achievement and distinction. We are very fortunate to attract a person who is committed to all parts of the Life University community and to health care and wellness through chiropractic," stated board member Dr. Tom Klapp.

Riekeman thanked the trustees for "this opportunity to lead a university that I have developed such affection for. As a result of your leadership, the University is now ready to face new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. I know that I have much to learn over the coming months, but I also know that I can depend on the advice and counsel of all members of the Life community, from our faculty, staff and students here on campus to the trustees, alumni and the chiropractic family around the world."