The Parker Alumni Association recently revised its bylaws to increase the number of members on its board of directors. After the change received 95 percent approval from members, the board has increased the number of members serving.
Previously, the board of directors consisted of nine elected members and three ex officio members. Now, the board will consist of no less than nine elected members and three ex officio members. The increase stems from the need to expand the number of board members who can assist with association projects through expertise in a given area.
Six new board members have been elected by the alumni association—Dr. Beau Hightower, '11; Dr. James D. Powell, '93; Dr. Shadi Rahmani, '08; Dr. Christopher Chae Tracy, '04; Dr. Michael N. Traxler, '06; and Dr. Ron Wells, '95. The board expansion will assist with numerous projects like the development of a Graduate Resource Center, which is expected to launch in January 2013.
"Throughout this year the board has been finalizing details to launch an online resource center which will allow its members access to business and practice forms, from patient intake forms to sample job descriptions for staff," said Amanda Rainey, vice president of university advancement at Parker University. "The 2012 board has worked with various association committees and university administrators on obtaining samples which will be shared online when the center officially launches in early 2013. Also, as the university unveils new academic programs, new projects are expected to be launched to better inform and engage current and future graduates of the university."
As alumni of the university, the board members will work to continue the vision, leadership, and legacy that has been established throughout the years.
Drs. Hightower and Rahmani boast three Bachelor of Science degrees in addition to their doctorate of chiropractic degrees. They earned degrees in biology from the University of New Mexico and the University of Texas at Arlington, respectively, and both have degrees in anatomy and health and wellness.
"As a young graduate, I believe that the future is in our hands," Dr. Rahmani said. "By serving on the board, I will have the privilege to serve with the distinguished members and take a small part in moving the profession forward."
Two of the new members, Drs. Tracy and Traxler, took the knowledge they gained from Parker and opened their own practices. Dr. Tracy and his wife own a practice in Dripping Springs, Texas, that focuses on family wellness care. Dr. Traxler's practice in Monroe, La., has been named "Best of the Delta" and "Best Chiropractic Clinic" by community voters.
"I want to give back to a college and a profession that has given me the ability to, not go to 'work' but change the lives of thousands of people through the principles of chiropractic," Dr. Tracy said. "I want to pay it forward and ensure the students of our future continue to carry the torch."
Dr. Wells practiced for five years after his graduation until he decided to turn his full attention to teaching, which he has been doing for 16 years at his alma mater. Dr. Powell followed in his father's footstep in becoming a chiropractor, and attributes an adjustment with curing him of his asthma symptoms.
The Parker Alumni Association membership is all-inclusive and welcomes Parker graduates, doctors of chiropractic, chiropractic assistants, massage therapists, corporations, and wellness supporters to join them in their pursuit of excellence. In all its endeavors, the alumni association strives to support and encourage all members to achieve the highest level of success in their relative fields.
Source: Parker University
