Education & Seminars

Dr. Brian Kelly Named Next President of Life University

Dynamic Chiropractic Staff  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Life University has named Brian D. Kelly, DC, as its next president. He will take office in November 2026.
  • Dr. Kelly previously served as president and CEO of Life Chiropractic College West (2011-2016) and as president of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic.
  • Dr. Kelly arrives at Life following a period of leadership transition. Brian McAulay, DC, PhD, who became president in February 2025, served through Aug. 5, 2026. Provost Lee Skinkle, PhD, subsequently became interim president while continuing to serve as provost.

Life University has named Brian D. Kelly, DC, as its next president, bringing a veteran chiropractic educator and former college president to the helm following a period of leadership transition at the university. Kelly will assume the presidency in November 2026.¹

The appointment, announced Oct. 9 by Life's Board of Trustees, follows an executive search conducted in partnership with CarterBaldwin. Kelly previously served as president of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic from 2003-2011 and president of Life Chiropractic College West from 2011-2016, leading both institutions during periods of organizational growth and development.¹

"Our priority throughout this search was to find a leader who understands not only who Life University is, but also what this moment requires," said Sandra Elbaum, chairman of the Life University Board of Trustees, in the Life University release announcing Dr. Kelly’s appointment. She cited Dr. Kelly's experience leading chiropractic institutions through periods of change and called him "the catalyst Life University needs for its next chapter."¹

Dr. Kelly earned his chiropractic qualification in Australia and recently completed an MBA through the University of Waikato in New Zealand. His professional service has included board positions with the Australian Spinal Research Foundation and International Chiropractors Association. More recently, he returned to clinical practice in Auckland, New Zealand, with a focus on elite athletes and concussion care through upper cervical chiropractic.¹

Dr. Kelly arrives at Life following significant leadership changes. Brian McAulay, DC, PhD, who became president in February 2025, served through Aug. 5, 2026, after which Provost Lee Skinkle, PhD, became interim president.² In announcing Kelly's appointment, Life's board credited Drs. McAulay and Skinkle with helping strengthen the university's compliance position, stabilize its financial health and lay groundwork for the future.¹

"Life University holds a unique responsibility in the global chiropractic landscape," Dr. Kelly said, adding that the university has an opportunity to "strengthen this institution, elevate the student experience and help set the standard for the future of chiropractic education and the profession itself."¹

References

  1. Life University. “Life University Names Dr. Brian Kelly President, Signaling a New Era of Growth and Renewal.” Life University press release, Oct. 9, 2026.
  2. Life University. “History of Life University.” Life University, 2026. https://www.life.edu/about/history-of-life/

 

 

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