Guy Riekeman, DC, has been appointed by the Palmer Board of Trustees as the next president of Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Riekeman will begin his presidential duties at the college the first week in November, succeeding retiring president Virgil Strang, DC, to become the eighth president of the 101-year-old founding college and flagship of the chiropractic profession.
Since being named executive director of the Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement last year, Dr. Riekeman has been instrumental in establishing a variety of professional, management and personal development programs.
Dr. Riekeman is a popular motivational speaker and the successful creator of several professional development seminar programs. He moved to chiropractic's center stage during our centennial year of 1995 as a featured presenter on chiropractic philosophy and as producer/director of a nationally-aired television documentary about the wellness benefits of chiropractic care.
Dr. Riekeman graduated from Palmer in 1972, and was honored with a Doctor of Chiropractic Humanities degree by his alma mater in 1997.
His educational credentials include service as an x-ray instructor, dean of philosophy and vice-president of Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. At Sherman, Dr. Riekeman's worked in development and student recruitment, and assisted in the construction project of the school's current campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
"Dr. Riekeman brings to us not only an outstanding record of success as a chiropractor and chiropractic educator, but also a clear vision for Palmer and the profession in the 21st century," enthused Palmer Chancellor Michael Crawford.
Mr. Crawford predicted that Dr. Riekeman's presidency would "mean a sharp focus on moving the college forward in integrating the educational program and extending the influence of Palmer chiropractic."
"It is a thrill and a great honor for me to be able to serve 'The Fountainhead' of the chiropractic profession as its president and to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Virgil Strang, who has had an immeasurable impact on students for a half century," Dr. Riekeman said.
"My vision for Palmer College begins with full confidence in the rightness of the chiropractic philosophical approach to health care as articulated in the Palmer tenets," he said.
He added that Palmer should "not only be the leader in educating doctors of chiropractic ... (but) should provide organizations, facilities, systems, education and leadership training for chiropractors to the whole profession, which will have a worldwide impact."
Dr. Riekeman said it was Palmer's "obligation to provide leadership" in prevention and wellness, including "creating a dialogue in health care and research that can explain the impact of chiropractic care beyond symptoms. My commitment as president is to give my all to make that happen."
Dr. Riekeman's appointment is the culmination of a search for a presidential successor that began when Dr. Strang announced his retirement last April. A search committee was appointed earlier this summer and recommendations three candidates. Chancellor Crawford interviewed the candidates and recommended Dr. Riekeman to the board of trustees. The board approved Dr. Riekeman's appointment on Thursday, August 27.
Word that Dr. Riekeman had been selected immediately generated positive and frequently enthusiastic comments from the campus community. Among those applauding the decision was outgoing president Strang. "Dr. Riekeman, whom I have known for many years, would have been my personal choice," said Dr. Strang. "He demonstrates extraordinary leadership abilities and a real passion for chiropractic. His vitality, creativity and people skills will invigorate the Palmer chiropractic family."
Dr. Strang's sentiments were echoed by Palmer faculty and students. Frank Bemis, DC, the immediate past president of the PCC International Alumni Association, called Dr. Riekeman "the logical choice" for the presidency. He added, "I not only support the board's decision, but I also call on all Palmer alumni to work with our new president and the rest of the Palmer administrative team to move our college forward."
John Strazewski, DC, a technique department faculty member who chaired the presidential search committee, added: "Dr. Riekeman has the qualities necessary to help both faculty and students maintain a clear view on the central purpose of chiropractic education."
Shaun Malone, president of Palmer's student council, reflected the views of many of the student body toward Dr. Riekeman's appointment to the presidency. "I believe Guy Riekeman will provide the spark of energy that will rekindle the fire of this institution," said Shaun. "His charisma, youth and passion for what he does brings forward the chiropractic dynamo that the students have searched for."
Peter Martin, DC, president of Palmer College of Chiropractic West, looks forward to working with Dr. Riekeman on matters related to both Palmer and chiropractic. "Dr. Riekeman's appointment bodes extremely well for Palmer College as an educational institution and as the fountainhead of the profession. Also, his demonstrated commitment to the Palmer Chiropractic University System means that Palmer chiropractic will continue to move ahead on all fronts."
Chancellor Crawford said that the time leading up to the first week in November will serve to provide an appropriate transition between the Strang and Riekeman presidencies. Currently a resident of Lake George, Colorado, Dr. Riekeman and his wife, Annie, expect to relocate to the Davenport area by mid-October.
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