Dr. Reed B. Phillips, president of Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) and longtime columnist for Dynamic Chiropractic, announced his retirement on Friday, Jan.
In announcing his retirement, Dr. Phillips stated, "My time as president has been a delightful experience, offering many opportunities for growth and development. I wish to thank all of the SCU family who have worked so hard to support me in making a great institution even greater. It has been a memorable part of my life."
He will continue to serve as president until a replacement is chosen. The university's Board of Regents has created a presidential search committee, headed by Dr. Richard Burger. Dr. John David Hemauer and Harry Jacobs also were appointed to serve on the committee. Once a successor is named, Dr. Phillips plans to return to research, teaching and writing. Last year, he completed a biography of Dr. Joseph Janse, former president of Dr. Phillips' alma mater, National College of Chiropractic (now National University of Health Sciences).
"Under Reed's leadership over the last decade and a half, Southern California University of Health Sciences has accomplished so much, adding to its reputation as a dynamic force in alternative health care education," said Dr. Harry Douglas, III, chair of the board of regents. "It has gained university status, expanded its curriculum with another program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, enhanced its chiropractic program with innovative refinements and made multiple improvements to the facilities on its 38-acre campus. His mark has been impressive and will be long-lasting."
One of Dr. Phillips' major professional achievements during his tenure as president was his appointment as chair of the Chiropractic Advisory Committee, established to assist the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the development and implementation of chiropractic in the Veterans Administration (VA). Due to the committee's efforts and recommendations, chiropractic care was introduced in the VA, culminating in a federal bill (H.R.5202) that would mandate chiropractic care be available at all VA medical centers by the end of 2010. While the legislation, introduced in April 2006, did not progress to a congressional vote before the end of the 109th session (meaning no further action can be taken), a new version of the bill will likely be introduced in 2007. Currently, approximately one-fifth of the nation's major VA medical centers have a chiropractor on staff.
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