Since we last reported that Life University would discontinue its $2 million sports program as a budgetary measure,1 the university, under the leadership of President Michael Schmidt,DC, has announced plans to cut another $2 million from the school's $38 million operating budget. An estimated 30-50 administrative jobs may be eliminated. This cut is deemed necessary to offset the loss of about 800 students since the June 10, 2002 announcement by the Council on Chiropractic Education that the accreditation of Life University College of Chiropractic would not be renewed.2 Dr. Schmidt estimates that the enrollment may drop another 10-30 percent.
Dr. Schmidt, who took over the reins of Life University on July 15, 2002,3 noted that none of the cuts are coming from the academic side of the budget.
Dr. Schmidt also announced plans to sell six properties it owns that are not on campus, including an administrative building and a clinic in north Marietta. The six properties are estimated to be worth $5-6 million.
Some speculated that Life would forego its annual Christmas light show, which is reported to cost $350,000, although about half of the cost is recouped from donations and corporate sponsorships. Dr. Schmidt has committed to keeping the light show, mainly because it brings many visitors to the Life campus, and has been a tradition since 1990. This year, however, the school seeks to raise the funds necessary to cover the entire cost of the holiday extravaganza. Life's athletic director, Roger Kaiser, will lead the fundraising campaign.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
