College Presidents Mini-Interviews

by Dr. Daniel J. Murphy D.C., D.A.B.C.O.

Neil Albert Salonen, B.A., President of University of Bridgeport

"We are being prudent fiscally because, while we’ve been growing strongly, this economy warrants caution. In our Colleges of Chiropractic, Naturopathic Medicine, Fones School of Dental Hygiene and Acupuncture Institute, we’ve improved clinic facilities ($4.5 million) promoted patient experience, seen surges (dental hygiene clinic, more than 3,000 patients a year; chiropractic clinic up 32 percent), developed internships with a local hospital (St. Vincent’s), expanded health science degree programs on the Internet, and continued to recruit top students. We’re working to assure many successes in our allied health programs in the years ahead."

Carl S. Cleveland III D.C., President of Cleveland Chiropractic College— Kansas City and Los Angeles

"Beyond the continued search for campus efficiencies and expanding marketing initiatives, Cleveland Chiropractic College—with campuses in Kansas City and Los Angeles—is actively exploring opportunities for diversifying the academic offerings. This fall, the college projects launching a Master of Science in Health Promotion focusing on issues of community health, diet and health, health promotion in athletes, worksite wellness and other topics to encourage groups, communities and the nation to adopt behaviors conducive to health. An enhanced 100-hour Applied Health Promotion Certificate will also be offered."

Peter Diakow, D.C., Director of Chiropractic Program, D’Youville College

"D’Youville College’s Chiropractic Program is currently well positioned in the student marketplace, appealing to prospective students that are interested in an evidence based chiropractic curriculum directly integrated with other health professional programs (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and dietetics). Although, our enrollment is still increasing, our future recruitment efforts will be turned toward areas outside the northeastern United States. As well, the Chiropractic Program at D’Youville will be expanding Continuing Education offerings in selected niche areas of interest. There is every indication that our program will continue to flourish, even in this economic environment."

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C., President of Life University

"Life University enrollment has increased dramatically (15 percent annually) in the last few years. We have $50 million dollars of construction projects in process—new student housing, a day care facility, a new organic café, etc., so obviously we’re expanding not contracting.

"That said, like all colleges and universities, we’re gearing up our recruiting efforts during these economic times. Contrary to the belief of some, there is financial aid available, so we’ll see how the marketplace reacts to the solid opportunities Life University provides. A Life education includes professional careers that are not dependent on employers and, to that extent, more recession proof. The reality is that this is a great time to invest in our kind of education."

George A. Goodman, D.C., F.I.C.C., President of Logan College of Chiropractic

"Logan’s strategic planning process provides a time-lined direction for new programs. In 2008, we introduced an accredited Master of Science program in Sports Science and Rehabilitation. 2009 will see a new Master’s degree in Clinical and Whole Food Nutrition.

"Graduate hybrid on-line programs are being developed to meet the needs of practicing Doctors of Chiropractic and graduate students. Our future plans will position the Doctor of Chiropractic as the future decision-maker in health policy development."

James F. Winterstein, D.C., D.A.C.B.R., President of National University of Health Sciences

"National University made plans to weather these kinds of storms fifteen years ago when we began to plan a conversion from a single purpose college into a university with three colleges, and raised the entrance requirement for our doctoral programs to the baccalaureate. We initiated new degree or certificate programs that now total eleven, along with numerous post-professional courses. Top on the list for ‘09 is the opening of our chiropractic medicine degree program at St. Petersburg College in Pinellas County, Florida."

Mark Zeigler, D.C., President of Northwestern Health Sciences University

"Northwestern Health Sciences University has been working for the last several years to strengthen the institution’s financial well-being through our "Imagine Our Future" Capital Campaign. This five year, $23 million campaign is intended to provide Northwestern with 1) the physical infrastructure necessary to elevate the University to the position of being the nation’s university of choice in natural health care, and 2) the long-term support of new programs and initiatives through a $15 million endowment. More than half of the funds have been raised, and have already led to a new 48,000-square-foot addition to campus, the Wolfe-Harris Center for Excellence, and renovations to the original building."

Frank J. Nicchi, M.S., D.C., President of New York Chiropractic College

"We are always looking to add more "spoke" clinical opportunities to our affiliations such as the VA, university health and wellness centers and hospital-based geriatric care facilities. The Doctor of Chiropractic Program is launching a new business curriculum to prepare graduates for the marketplace, and new coursework has been developed that provides graduates with skills and confidence in providing chiropractic patient education. Postgraduate instruction now offers teleconference workshops that enable ten doctors to view PowerPoint presentations via Internet display and conference call with a post-graduate faculty member serving as instructor/facilitator."

Fabrizio Mancini, D.C., President of Parker College of Chiropractic

"Further developing the Parker Seminars program will help the chiropractic profession through these trying economic times. Parker Seminars will expand its business course offerings, making them an integral part of the program. The chiropractic assistant program will be enhanced so C.A.’s can learn everything they need through Parker Seminars. The Dallas seminar will grow to the scale of the Las Vegas seminar. Vendors will continue to exhibit the most cutting-edge products in the industry."

Dr. Ronald D. Kraft, Ph.D., President of Southern California University of Health Sciences

"In this challenging economic climate, it is more important than ever that we concentrate on preparing our students to be not only exceptional practitioners, but also strong leaders who are successful in business and committed to serving their communities. Our entrepreneurial-focused Practice of Prosperity Academy and the combined DC/AOM program are just two of the many initiatives that SCU has established to give our students significant advantages in launching and growing their practices."

Jon Schwartzbauer, D.C., President of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic

"Sherman College is using social networks like blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more to keep in touch with current and prospective students as well as alumni. Social networks allow Sherman to share information in an affordable way, reducing printing and postage costs and driving traffic to the web.

Sherman also offers education investment management sessions to help students manage their student loan portfolios and finances. Topics covered include student loans, private loans, credit card debt, loan deferments and budgeting."

Richard G. Brassard, D.C., President of Texas Chiropractic College

"We have focused on three areas in response to recent economic changes. First, significant changes in the student recruitment process have been implemented, including collaborative agreements with area universities and colleges; second, improvements to our curriculum and educational programs to better meet student interests and needs; and third, developing alternative funding sources. We recognize that this climate mandates an innovative problem-solving approach if chiropractic education is to keep pace with a changing health care landscape".

Joseph Brimhall, D.C., President of Western States Chiropractic College

"WSCC has included the likelihood of normal economic downturns as an integral part of our planning process. We have further developed our massage therapy program, will offer masters degrees in vital areas of interest, and have significantly expanded our clinic system. Favorable pricing in construction markets has allowed us to move on planned facilities maintenance upgrades to existing facilities and to plan new, modern learning environments for our students. These strategies coupled with sustaining our charitable giving and development strategies are key to WSCC’s long term financial strength."