September 2005

Hardee retires from Sherman College

Gelardi named interim president

Upon retirement from the presidency of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC in July, Jerry L. Hardee, EdD told faculty, staff and students: "I am especially privileged to have accomplished many of my life's goals and I now look forward to spending more time with my wife, parents, son and grandsons, serving my church, and, of course, spending more time on the golf course."

Dr. Hardee's departure came following a period of distinguished and dedicated service to the school.

"In everything he has said and done, Dr. Hardee has had Sherman's best interest at heart," stated Cindy L. Pekofsky, DC, chair of Sherman's Board of Trustees. "He has been a great leader and a tremendous asset to Sherman; he has put his heart and soul into everything he has accomplished here. We are proud of the wonderful legacy he leaves behind, and we feel his departure will be a great loss to the college. We hope he will stay involved with the Sherman community in some capacity."

In July 2001, recently retired following more than 40 years of service as executive administrator at four different institutions in the Georgia state educational system, Hardee accepted the presidency of Sherman College. He had expected to serve in that capacity for about three years, committing to do everything in his power to advance and further improve the institution. Four years later, he said, retirement called again.

"During the past four years, I've realized ‑‑ even more than I imagined ‑‑ what a wonderful place Sherman is and what a wonderful community we share together here in Spartanburg," Hardee said in his farewell address. "So it is with very mixed emotions that I announce my retirement. I hope you know that I leave behind a portion of my heart with you."

Under his Sherman leadership, the college saw its enrollment increase at a time when many other institutions experienced declining interest. Diversity was enhanced and a campus‑wide diversity committee instituted. The school's fund‑raising and development programs were strengthened and expanded. Hardee spearheaded Sherman's involvement in the local College Town Consortium, and saw implemented a revised and streamlined 14‑quarter curriculum. Additionally, accreditation with the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) ‑‑ the college's professional accrediting body ‑‑ was reaffirmed.

Hardee's praiseworthy and long‑standing dedication to social causes and involvement in the Spartanburg community has included service to the boards of directors of such local organizations as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Phyllis Wheatley, Carolina Foothills Artisans Center, and Senior Centers of Spartanburg County among others. A member of the Vision 2005 Committee of the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce, Hardee is also on the Department of Education Advisory Committee of the University of South Carolina Upstate.

The chiropractic community has taken notice of Hardee's work and dedication, thanking and honoring him with various awards. Most recently, the South Carolina Chiropractic Association named him "Chiropractic Friend of the Year" in 2005. In 2004, the American Black Chiropractic Association at its conference named him "Humanitarian of the Year" and the World Chiropractic Alliance presented him with an award for "Outstanding Service."

Thomas A. Gelardi, DC, the college's founder and first president, has been named interim president. "We feel secure and confident to have a great visionary leader like Dr. Gelardi at the helm of Sherman as we begin making plans for our presidential search," said Dr. Pekofsky.

Gelardi founded Sherman in 1973, fulfilling a long‑standing dream of advancing the chiropractic profession centered on the vertebral subluxation. He led the college's progress for nearly three decades, serving as its first president until 1997 and later as member and chair of the Board of Trustees from 1997‑2002. Highlights of his tenure as president included the school's full CCE accreditation, and licensure acceptance in nearly all states.

"Few people have contributed more to promoting the chiropractic profession than Dr. Thom Gelardi," Hardee pointed out. "I can't imagine anyone better qualified to take the college through these next months as we search for our institution's next great leader." Of his interim presidency Gelardi said, "Being asked to again be a part of such an organization, even for a short time, is an honor."

He is also appreciative of Hardee's service to Sherman College. "During Dr. Hardee's brief four years here, he has given outstanding leadership, not only to the college, but also to the chiropractic profession and the Spartanburg community," stated Gelardi. "His kind, gentle and encouraging personality and his visionary leadership will be sorely missed. We hope that he will decide to semi‑retire here in Spartanburg and remain active in the Sherman community. Whatever Dr. Hardee may choose, we wish him well."

The Board of Trustees is conducting a national search prior to announcement of a permanent presidential appointment.