March 2004

Riekeman resignation stuns Palmer students, doctors

Palmer College announced on Feb. 5, that Guy F. Riekeman, D.C. ‑‑ President of Palmer College of Chiropractic and chancellor of the Palmer Chiropractic University System ‑‑ had resigned, but gave no hint as to why the popular chiropractic leader was leaving his posts.

A KWQC‑TV news show broadcast Feb. 9, however, revealed some of the behind‑the‑scenes problems that spurred Dr. Riekeman to step down.

The news segment, appearing on the station's 10 p.m. show, included film of Riekeman addressing a crowd of students and supporters on campus. He stated that, "This became for me an impossible working environment if we were going to move Palmer forward."

Although not shown on film, news anchor Gary Metivier reported that Riekeman said "he was cut off from the board and that all his communication with the board had to go through a third party, something he says was frustrating not only for himself but for others at the school."

Riekeman elaborated by pointing to the confusion on campus resulting from an unclear "chain of command" and referred to "loyalty issues," among other problems.

"I just looked at that and thought that we had to figure out, as an administration, how to do this better," he says on the tape.

Metivier added that "Riekeman said he'd love to be back in his office tomorrow, but the situation just isn't right. He encourages students to continue with their Palmer educations."

Students were visibly upset by the announcement of Riekeman's resignation and several petition campaigns were started and rallies held in an effort to force the board to reinstate him.

Doctors around the country were equally disturbed by the news.

The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) received numerous e‑mails asking for more information. One doctor noted, "I am totally sickened by the actions taken by the Board of Trustees at Palmer. ... I had disassociated myself from the school following my graduation from it in 1973 but had realigned myself following Dr. Guy's appointment. He has done so much for the school that we just can't let this happen."

In his online newsletter, the "Information Age," Bob Braille, D.C., former president of the International Chiropractors Association, commented, "It seems to me that interfering with the success Palmer has enjoyed with Dr. Guy at the helm would be not only a bad move for Palmer, but for chiropractic as well. I have visited Palmer regularly since 1995. I remember the early days when students and alumni were both disenchanted with Palmer. Since Dr. Riekeman`s arrival, spirits have been high, enrollment up, and momentum has been with Palmer. Changing this obviously successful trend is an obvious subluxation of management."

Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., president of the WCA, said he will wait to hear all the facts about the situation before taking any official position on Palmer's action, but feels that students and alumni should have input into the college's leadership.

"If Dr. Riekeman wants to return, and students, alumni and other Palmer supporters want him reinstated, then they need to make their wishes known to the board of directors," he noted. "I personally think very highly of Guy and know he's been a tremendous asset for the school and the profession. I hope the problems between him and the college can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction."

The school's formal statement, signed by Vickie Anne Palmer, Chair of Palmer's Board of Trustees, stated the school plans to "realign the university's administrative team and refocus on critical topics." She added that, "The Palmer Chiropractic University System will continue to operate under the leadership of the Board of Trustees as they explore ... greater integration of the campuses and programs in the delivery of education based on the Palmer Chiropractic Tenets and Principles, including a primary focus on chiropractic adjustment and a recognition of the significance of the nervous system to health and the effect of the subluxation complex upon the nervous system."

Dr. Riekeman was tapped for the president's spot in 1998, when he succeeded retiring President Virgil V. Strang, D.C., to become the eighth president of the college. At the time of his appointment, Michael E. Crawford, chancellor of the Palmer Chiropractic University System, stated: "The Riekeman presidency will mean a broad, inclusive approach to what we're about, serving all Palmer constituencies and perspectives, and preserving Palmer's flagship position in the mainstream of chiropractic education. At the same time it will mean a sharp focus on moving the College forward in integrating the educational program and extending the influence of Palmer Chiropractic."

Don Kern, who served as Palmer's president from 1987 to 1994, will take over the helm once more. Since 2002 he has been senior campus administrator, Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida.