Living Life At Life U

At Life U, we love our faculty and staff. And to celebrate them, I am excited to kick off our 2026 Employee Appreciation Week. During the first week of March, daily activities are scheduled to celebrate the backbone of our University and the great work they all do. Faculty and staff, please submit entries to these activities by Friday, February 27, and earn 20 to Life credit.

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Over the weekend, our community lost a remarkable leader with the passing of Dr. Guy Riekeman, our former president, chancellor and chancellor emeritus. His influence reaches far beyond this campus. Across the chiropractic profession, Guy was a visionary voice – someone whose passion, clarity and conviction inspired countless chiropractors to think bigger, lead boldly and serve with heart.

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For chiropractic students across the nation, National Board exams can be a source of anxiety and stress as they seek to master the material necessary to succeed. Though National Boards may not be the event D.C. students most look forward to on their calendars, they represent a major step forward for the chiropractic profession, allowing Chiropractic to be differentiated as a separate entity from medical licensure but still credible and upholding uniform high standards for chiropractors.

Prior to the first exams administered in 1965 by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), chiropractic candidates took the same...

If you’ve ever watched an antiques or ancestry show, you’ve noticed that the stories that go along with family heirlooms and traditions aren’t always historically accurate. They’re often truer in spirit, though, and that’s the case with the Running Eagles name that Life University athletes proudly wear.

The story of Running Eagle, a warrior of the indigenous Blackfeet people, is one of which we strive to be worthy. Pi’tamaka (PIH tah mah kah), was a woman who walked the warrior’s path. She earned the name Running Eagle and became a legend for def...

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is an excellent time to recognize and reflect on the strides made to support diversity in the chiropractic profession, as well as acknowledge opportunities for growth in this area.

At a basic level, the U.S. Census reports 14 percent of the total nationwide population is of black descent, yet Black chiropractors only account for roughly 2 percent of licensed chiropractors.This is a disparity that Life University hopes to address, because not only do we value the contributions of all in the chiropractic community, but we also but we also recognize...

Now that the quarter is well underway, our new students have gotten a sense of the pace of our academic calendar. As our returning students know, the pace is fast and most of your time is spent in class. That’s why I hope you’re making time to discover all the student clubs and organizations that can enrich your experience and expand your horizons before and after graduation.

If you’d love to sing, there’s the Voices of Life gospel choir. If you like to connect with students across campus, there’s the Campus Activities Board. If...

As we begin a new quarter and a new year, I’m reminded of our philosophy of health here at Life University, which recognizes that within each of us is a spark of the creative power of the universe. Nothing shapes our lives more than that inner spark.

The great American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said it this way: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” That’s the message I’d like each of us to carry forward into this new quarter: That who we are matter...

I’m going to start with something that’s going to sound like a joke: What does Life University have in common with improv? I know that I’ve just set myself up for a LOT of punch lines, so please bear with me. I saw an educator’s take on improving the student experience using the rules of improv.

And, like our value set here at Life, all of them involved having a love for people … and being open to relationships and possibilities for creation and growth. I was especially struck by the final rule, which is “Help o...

There’s a B.J Palmer quote many in the chiropractic world know well—one that’s been on my mind lately and will likely resurface in future McAulay Minutes: “You never know how far reaching something you say, think, or do will impact the lives of millions tomorrow.” It’s most often shared as a call to do good in the world. But it also serves as a quiet warning – a reminder that even a careless word or moment of frustration can have consequences far beyond what we intend.

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Life University faculty, senior D.C. interns and global partners completed a historic Chiropractic Awareness Mission Trip to Eldoret, Kenya in July 2025. This impactful visit marks the next step in a growing partnership with the University of Eldoret, where plans are underway to launch East Africa’s first-ever chiropractic degree program. D.C. students John Lehman and William Brown discuss their experiences as part of this dynamic team.

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I wanted to be sure to mark the beginning of 30 Days of Thanks here at Life U. As a nation, November is our shared month of Thanksgiving, and it’s my favorite time of year. So, I’d like to invite every member of the Life U community to join me in kicking off 30 Days of Thanks beginning Monday November 3.

The idea is simple: mark each day with a small, intentional act of gratitude. Maybe it’s a thank-you text or note, a quick list of three things you’re grateful for, or even a couple of minutes...

Chiropractic is one of the best-kept secrets in health care, despite more than a century of clinical observation and patient satisfaction because there’s still a gap in clinical research. I’m proud that Life U is stepping in to fill it through CHARLI, the Complementary Healthcare Advanced Research and Leadership Institute. CHARLI is not only filling that gap but also working to better integrate Chiropractic into the larger healthcare landscape.

That’s why I’m so pleased to invite you to attend the CHARLI Chiropractic Colloquium and Neuroscience Summit (C3 Neuro Summit). The C3 Neuro Summit will pro...

Dr. Brian McAulay: "For chiropractors, the safety pin is a simple illustration of the nervous system and the perfection of its complex design. In the chiropractic metaphor, a closed safety pin represents the nervous system at ease. But perhaps the open pin is an even better symbol of the mission of our College of Chiropractic.

As former Life U president Dr. Guy Riekeman explained when the pin was donated, its open form represents our commitment to serve until everyone on Earth who needs chiropractic care – or a chiropractic education – has access to it and only then will the...

Life University faculty, senior D.C. interns and global partners recently returned from a historic Chiropractic Awareness Mission Trip to Eldoret, Kenya. This impactful visit marks the next step in a growing partnership with the University of Eldoret, where plans are underway to launch East Africa’s first-ever chiropractic degree program. D.C. student John Lehman speaks on this impactful experience and other compelling experiences as the oldest D.C. student in Life U history.

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"One of my favorite locations on any campus is the library. And, with all the changes in information delivery we’ve seen in the last few decades, it’s clear that libraries are more than the information they house.”

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Life University faculty, senior D.C. interns and global partners recently returned from a historic Chiropractic Awareness Mission Trip to Eldoret, Kenya. This impactful visit marks the next step in a growing partnership with the University of Eldoret, where plans are underway to launch East Africa’s first-ever chiropractic degree program. D.C. student William Brown speaks on this impactful experience. 

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This October 16-19, Life U will host another Life Leadership Weekend – an event designed for those exploring a future in Chiropractic and looking for the right place to pursue that calling. Over the course of the weekend, prospective students will have the chance to hear from leaders in our profession, meet our dedicated faculty and staff, connect with Student Ambassadors, and experience firsthand the vibrant energy of our campus.

It’s a powerful opportunity for them to see what Life U is all about. Here’s where you come in. As faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of Lif...

Dr. Marc Ellis is the Chiropractor/Owner of Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center, as well as a proud Life U alumnus and Alumni Board Member. His most recent public claim to fame has been his work with top-tier athletes, particularly Sem Verbeek, winner of the 2025 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Championship with Katerina Siniakova. Ellis’ team has worked with Verbeek for years to harness the power of Chiropractic Neurology to improve his game as well as his health.

For example, they use special glasses to track his eye movements on the court and then find areas of less-than-ideal focus to re...

In just a couple of weeks, we’ll gather for the 2025 Life Vision Extravaganza at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Chiropractic: Our Time Has Arrived!”, reflects the momentum and purpose we feel across our profession.

Over three inspiring days, we’ll hear from dynamic speakers, such as Del Bigtree, Kegan Gill, Dr. Eric Plasker, Dr. Julie Mayer Hunt, Dr. Tony Ebel and many more. With up to 23 hours of CE available, this event offers both professional growth and personal renewal. But LVE is about more than learning… it’s about connection.

We’ll re...

To strengthen our College of Chiropractic program and better prepare students for success on their national board exams, a dedicated team of Life University faculty and staff has made noteworthy contributions that deserve recognition.

Thanks to each of you for your hard work, dedication, and success in implementing improvements to our Doctor of Chiropractic Program.

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At Life University, family legacy in health care has always been a source of strength. For generations, families have passed the torch of transformative chiropractic care from one member to the next. We honor that legacy through our Generations Wall – a tribute to the families who’ve helped shape Life U’s story. From the Williams family to today’s students following in their loved ones’ footsteps, this wall reminds us that Life U is, and has always been, a family affair. Want to know how you can commemorate your family on the Generations Wall? Visit Alumni.life.edu.

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One of the greatest pleasures – and responsibilities – of leadership is recognizing and developing new leaders. That’s especially true at an organization like Life University that recognizes and seeks to unleash the full, transformational potential that resides in every human being. We’re 50 years into our mission, having just celebrated our 50th anniversary, and we’re actively building the launchpad and leadership resources we need to fuel our next 50 years of growth and contribution.

That’s why I’m delighted to announce the IGNITE leadership program, as part of our commitment to professional development.

The IGNITE program...

At Life University, we’re leading a revolution that honors the contributions of modern healthcare and science research, while also honoring the wisdom of nature, that recognizes the body is brilliant and self-organizing, and empowers people to be all they can be, whatever their starting point. That’s the power of life…and the promise of Life University.

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William James, the father of American psychology, articulated the essential inner life a bit less succinctly when he said, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”

At Life University, we’re still part of that revolution, providing our students with the sure knowledge that their inner-directed lives have everything to do with the way their lives and careers will unfold.

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Running a successful practice takes more than clinical excellence — it takes business savvy. That’s where Life University’s all-new Online MBA comes in. Launching October 2025, this fully online program is designed specifically for practitioners in Chiropractic and other health sciences fields. ✔ Real-world, healthcare-focused case studies ✔ Courses in AI marketing, tax strategy, team leadership & more ✔ Learn from expert Ph.D. faculty ✔ 100% online, self-paced format Whether you're growing your first practice or expanding into multiple locations, Life U’s MBA equips you with the tools to scale, lead and thrive. Applications now open! Learn more at https://www.life.edu/academic-pages/m...

In a university heavily devoted to the sciences, it’s important to remember to take joy in other aspects of art and academia. Charles Farmer is an Assistant Professor of English at Life University. He teaches composition and literature courses, as well as LFS 105, Academic Strategies. He also writes about music and poetry for several Georgia publications. He is currently writing a book about DB Records, the independent Atlanta music label that helped give birth to new wave, punk, and other left-of-the-dial sounds.

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Life University President Dr. Brian McAulay shares his insights on Life U's recent 2025 Spring Quarter Commencement Ceremony, highlighting that it's a perfect example of the community expressing the "To Love" component of our foundational value of Lasting Purpose.

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B.J. Palmer once said, “When Love and Skill work together, expect a Masterpiece.” In this McAulay Minute, Life University President Dr. Brian McAulay reflects on how that principle lives and breathes at Life U —especially as we welcome 200 new students to campus. From the passion of our staff and faculty to the purpose-driven education our students receive, this episode celebrates the powerful fusion of heart and expertise that defines the Life U experience.

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Chiropractic as an established is young in respect to healthcare as a whole, so the chiropractic community has some catching up to do to create a wider breadth of scientifically sound research to help the larger healthcare landscape understand the value of chiropractic care.

Dr. Tyson Perez is a licensed DC and a Research Scientist working with Life University to contribute to the growth of chiropractic research and thus put chiropractic on a stronger footing to demonstrate its benefits scientifically.

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In Life U’s Speak Tradition, we’re all expected to make eye contact and address each other as we make our way around campus. A walk across Life U isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s a chance to show mutual respect, to connect as human beings, and to live out our commitment to give, do, love, and serve from our own abundance.

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Continuing your chiropractic education is a never-ending endeavor and in fact is a requirement to maintain chiropractic licensure. Kathy Stavovy-Bannister as Director of Postgraduate Education at Life University (Life U) works tirelessly to help take the guess work out of needed annual CE hours and what is required in various states.

The special main event hosted by the Postgraduate Department each year is Life Vision Extravaganza weekend, being held in September 18-20, 2025. Not only is it a homing of sorts for the Life U community, but it allows chiropractors to complete many CE hours in one place...

For this week’s McAulay Minute, I’m excited to announce a historic step forward that reflects Life University’s deep chiropractic legacy and roots. For the first time in our history, Life U will have a Vice President of Chiropractic. Dr. Michael Clusserath, will step into this role in the coming weeks.

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Join Life University President Dr. Brian McAulay for this week’s McAulay Minute, where he shares powerful updates from the Enrollment Growth pillar of the Life Launch Pad — a strategic priority driving our mission forward. Our momentum is real, and we’re just getting started. With your continued support, we’re building the future of health care, one student at a time. Stay tuned and inspired! We’ll see you next week for more updates.

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Welcome to the very first McAulay Minute. Featuring our Life University President, Dr, Brian McAulay. This new weekly series is designed to keep you — our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends — connected to what’s happening across Life U. We’ve heard your feedback, and we want to offer a more direct line of communication, with timely updates that matter to all of us. It is a short-form podcast, for just about a minute of your time to get connected. 

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First impressions matter and are lasting so Marcus Powell, Assistant Director of Student Orientation & Engagement, seeks to make sure that Life University students not only get off to a good start in their higher education but they find places to get connected and feel engaged with their campus. 

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A curious mind is an active one, and one that may be best suited for a career in Research. Dr. William Vicory is a Biomedical Engineer for the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research here at Life University. He discusses his unconventional path toward academic research, how compelling questions compelled him to dig deeper and learn in a dynamic way. He is working on some exciting projects, including a sit-up model of PAT, our lovable 3D chiropractic mannequins. 

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Coach Ashwante “Tae” Hawkins is a young and ambitious coach, entering her inaugural year as an Assistant Coach with Life U Women’s Basketball. Before arriving in Marietta, Hawkins spent three years in Talladega, becoming the associate head coach before the 2016-17 season. In her time with the Tornadoes, she helped the program to a 60-28 record and to consecutive GCAC regular season championships in 2016 and 2017, as well as the first GCAC Tournament Championship in program history. She is eager to bring her positive leadership to the Life U Running Eagles and encourage success and pride on and off the co...

Zelin Zhou has had an active year in chiropractic research. He participated in the 2024 Research Paper Symposium at Life University, received a scholarship as the winner of the 2024 National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Annual Student Scholarship Essay Competition and recently presented at the 2025 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference (ACCRAC) held in New Orleans. We are so excited to see what he does next! This special research series episode is co-hosted by Erin Gilligan, Project Coordinator for the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL).

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There is so much preliminary effort and support that goes into successful research studies. Dr. Tahamina Begum discusses the ebbs and flows of research participant retention, Life U’s exciting explorations into cognitive neuroscience and more. This special research series episode is co-hosted by Erin Gilligan, Project Coordinator for the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL).

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Sarai Camacho is a D.C. student and Student Ambassador who represents the benefits of being all in in her chiropractic education, showing openness to learn and to serve in a way that will translate well in her student internship and eventual practice.

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