In an official statement, the board said it "appreciates Dr. DeSpain's service and looks forward to building on his tenure in partnership with Dr. Riekeman." The board also expressed its confidence in Dr. Riekeman's abilities and made clear that both he and the board are committed to Life's renewal and growth:
The most important thing for the entire Life family to know is that both the board and faculty are committed to continuing the founding mission and purpose of Life University. Each board member supports excellence and distinction in our faculty and educational programs. As we approach the next phase of Life's extraordinary turnaround, we do so with the confidence that we know we can count on the exemplary dedication and cooperation of the community, alumni, faculty and staff to meet new challenges and to build a future for Life University and chiropractic.
"Dr. Riekeman epitomizes Life's fundamental commitments to chiropractic scholarship, teaching and service to others," commented Board Chair Charles Ribley, DC. "His character and outstanding human qualities have made Dr. Riekeman a valued colleague among chiropractic educators and an inspiration to students. [He] is the ideal person to lead this University and to inspire all of us in the Life University family to join in with him in enhancing Life's many contributions to higher education, research and to humanity at large."
Dr. Riekeman thanked the trustees for "this opportunity to lead a university that I have developed such affection for. As a result of your leadership, the University is now ready to face new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. I know that I have much to learn over the coming months, but I also know that I can depend on the advice and counsel of all members of the Life community, from our faculty, staff and students here on campus to the trustees, alumni and the chiropractic family around the world."
Life's students, faculty, alumni and administrators are no doubt thrilled by the announcement, as the university's enrollment and operating budget have declined dramatically since the Council on Chiropractic Education's June 2002 decision to withdraw accreditation. Although Life was granted a federal injunction in February 2003 that retroactively restored its accreditation and placed the chiropractic program on probationary status, much of the damage had already been done. In fact, faced with nearly $31 million of bond debt, the university proposed the sale of the campus to neighboring Southern Polytechnic State University in January of this year. As of press time, transfer of ownership is pending approval by the Georgia Board of Regents.
"The appointment of Dr. Riekeman as president of Life University continues the recovery process of the University," said Life Chiropractic College West President Gerard Clum, DC. "This appointment is good for chiropractic in general, for Life University and for Life Chiropractic College West. On a personal level, I am excited about the possibility to work more closely with Guy for the betterment of Life University and for Life West. We may be separate institutions, but we are joined in a common history and share a common perspective on the profession, and I look forward to advancing those interests"
It is uncertain exactly how Dr. Riekeman's decision to join Life will be viewed by Palmer alumni, some of whom have been vocal about their desire to see him return as chancellor. There have also been reports of student protesting the circumstances surrounding his resignation, and in an unofficial poll, 569 of 665 alumni respondents cast votes of "no confidence" in the Palmer Board of Trustees.
On March 4, the Palmer board released a statement, a portion of which addressed suggestions that Dr. Reikeman was forced out of his position as chancellor of the Palmer University System:
"The board took the action required to ensure that its oversight role was preserved, that its policies were followed and that communication was properly restored. There was no intent to force Dr. Riekeman to leave Palmer. Others have said that Dr. Riekeman was forced to resign because he resisted an effort to take the Palmer colleges toward a 'medical model.' This is not true. Palmer has no intent of abandoning the Palmer Tenets that were established a number of years ago through a process that included all Palmer constituencies. ..."
That same day, the Palmer board issued a second statement regarding Dr. Riekeman's new position as president of Life University:
We understand that the Board of Life University has extended the presidency of that university to Dr. Guy Riekeman and that he has accepted. Life University is a fellow institution in chiropractic education and Dr. Riekeman is a graduate of Palmer, a former employee and now a colleague. We wish him and Life University the very best and anticipate that we will be able to work together to assure the positive advancement of chiropractic as a primary health care provider.
Peter W. Crownfield, managing editor