June 2005

Life University appoints new dean

Robert M. Scott, DC, MEd, PhD, has been appointed dean of the College of Chiropractic of Life University., a step that promises "not only to help elevate Life's chiropractic college but also to energize and focus our entire academic program," according to Life President Guy F. Riekeman, DC 

"The search committee was looking for an experienced administrator with a zeal for health care education in an active‑learning environment and someone who could foster integration across all aspects of the University," Dr. Riekeman said. "What we found was a person who can translate the University's vision into the curriculum, inspire students, faculty and administrators, and advance Life toward its goals of professional and academic prominence."

Dr. Scott served since 2002 as dean of the College of Chiropractic of Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, Minn., where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1992. Scott also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto.

Life University also announced that John Downes, DC, who has been serving as dean of the College of Chiropractic, has been appointed to Director of Alumni and of Post Graduate Programs. "Dr. Downes has a wealth of knowledge about Life University and its graduates accrued throughout his many years of stalwart service here," Riekeman noted. "We have an urgent need and a splendid opportunity to organize Life's more than 12,000 alumni as both a support to the institution and a force in the chiropractic profession. He will also lead the charge in taking Life's postgraduate education programs to a high level of practical value to both Life graduates and the rest of the chiropractic profession."

Dr. Brian McAulay, Life provost, to whom Scott will report, stated that the new dean "is a seasoned and highly credentialed academician. He also brings a breadth of experience that will be extremely helpful. From the chiropractic perspective he has a scientist's discipline but also a philosopher's vision. His doctoral dissertation is on 'The effects of chiropractic cervical adjustment on middle cerebral artery blood flow and brachial artery blood pressure response.' At the same time he is completing a diplomate in chiropractic philosophy, in which he also has experience as an instructor." McAulay observed also that Scott has experience in other facets of health care education that characterize Life's undergraduate and graduate programs.

Scott said he was delighted to be "part of a dynamic management team that has a clear vision for what the institution can become. Life University is very serious about increasing in academic rigor and quality instruction. I'm impressed with the unity of purpose of the Board of Trustees and throughout the ranks. The College of Chiropractic has many capable teachers; there is a real commitment to research and a spirit of willingness to advance the College and the profession in the philosophy, science and art. The other colleges of the University also are destined to grow around a unified vision.  I'm grateful for this opportunity to play a significant role in Life's development."