President, Life University
https://www.life.edu/
Since its establishment more than 180 years ago, Cobb County has been defined by its people. Some of these individuals have made their mark by becoming pioneers of business, captains of industry and heads of state.
And if you’re reading this, you likely know why Cobb is attractive to so many. It hosts exceptional schools, is within close reach to the world’s busiest airport, has all of the convenience of proximity to the big city and is fertile ground for entrepreneurship. The list goes on, but it always comes back to the people who have built this county into what it is.
On the following page we have profiled an individual who is among Cobb’s premier leaders. We wanted to find out about his job, delve into his personal life, and gain some words of wisdom. And of course, we asked: Why have you picked Cobb County?
THE STORY: I hail from Northern Ontario, Canada. My academic journey led me to the University of Toronto, where I earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Pursuing my passion for healthcare, I obtained a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic. Later, I achieved a Ph.D. in Business and Management from Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
My professional career began with 13 years in private chiropractic practice. Transitioning into academia, I held faculty positions and progressively took on leadership roles, including Interim President of Sherman College, President of Parker University, and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at South University. Additionally, I served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Palmer College and Provost at Life University.
Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply involved in higher education governance and accreditation. Notably, I was the first individual in chiropractic education to be awarded a Fellowship by the American Council on Education and completed postgraduate work at Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. I’ve also chaired numerous accreditation site teams for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
My journey has taken me across various cities, including Davenport, Iowa; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Dallas, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and Marietta, Georgia, where I previously resided for a decade. Now, I’m honored to return to Marietta to serve as President of Life University, bringing with me a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing the institution’s mission.
WHY I CHOSE TO WORK IN COBB: Our children had a fantastic educational experience in Cobb County schools — Timber Ridge Elementary, Dickerson Middle, and the Wheeler Magnet program. Returning after 10 years has felt like a full-circle moment. Cobb is an exceptional place to live and work, with a strong sense of community and quality of life.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Serving as President of Life University is both a great responsibility and a profound honor. Life U recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary, having grown into the world’s largest single-campus chiropractic institution. It has also evolved into a comprehensive health sciences university, offering respected programs in nutrition, exercise science, psychology, and business. We’re preparing to launch a unique MBA program tailored to healthcare professionals. Life U’s athletic programs — among the largest by participation in metro Atlanta — continue to thrive, with recent national recognition for our Women’s Wrestling Team. It’s deeply rewarding to lead a university with such far-reaching impact.
LEISURE TIME: Though the role keeps me busy, I make time to enjoy tennis throughout the year and take advantage of Atlanta’s vibrant theater and music scene. My weekends are often spent at a Life U community event or cheering on our athletic teams.
BEST ADVICE: Get involved in your community — however you define it. Cobb County is one of the best places to live in the country, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how collaboration among its residents has continually enhanced the quality of life here. I’ve been honored to serve with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Kiwanis, and the Cobb Chamber. Life University also was proud to serve as a key support site for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005.
WHAT’S NEXT? Life University is continuing its upward trajectory, building a reputation for excellence both nationally and internationally. Our upcoming MBA program for healthcare professionals is just one example of how we’re innovating to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. There’s much more ahead.
