President of Texas Chiropractic College (alumnus, class of 1950) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Board of Governors.
Born on June 24, 1926 in Wild Cherry, Ark., Shelby Elliott served in the U.S. Navy before receiving DC degrees from Texas Chiropractic College and Logan College of Chiropractic. While operating a successful practice in Dayton, Texas, for nearly four decades, Dr. Elliott maintained numerous business and civic positions, including Dayton Democratic Precinct chairman and president of the Dayton Independent School Board.
Dr. Elliott's dedication to chiropractic led him to participate in local, state and national membership organizations in nearly every capacity. He chaired the ACA Board of Governors for an unprecedented five years (two terms) and served on the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners for nine years, appointed by not one, but two Texas governors. Named president of his alma mater (TCC) in 1990, Dr. Elliott spearheaded campus expansion efforts, including the Moody Health Center and Harris Administration Building, serving the college until his retirement in 2003.
"Dr. Elliott was a one-of-a-kind, passionate leader whose generosity to the profession and chiropractic students across the country will forever be remembered," reflected ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC. "His positive influence on the chiropractic community will be felt for many years to come."
In a press release following Dr. Elliott's Aug. 19 passing, the ACA listed the many honors / awards bestowed upon him during his iconic career:
- ACA Doctor of the Year
- TCA Dist. 11 Doctor of the Year, Young Chiropractor of the Year and Keeler Plaque Award recipient
- TCC's William D. Harper Science of Existence Award recipient
- Logan Chiropractic College Alumni of the Year
- Parker Chiropractic Foundation Outstanding Doctor of the Year from the Southern United States
- Dayton [Texas] Citizen of the Year
- Pasadena [Texas] Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
Donations in Dr. Elliott's name can be made to TCC or the First Baptist Church of Pasadena Building Fund.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.