After some years working in the clinic system at LIFE , Dr . Boyd stepped up , along with a group of others , and took on a bigger role at the institution she grew so dearly fond of during a time of need in the early 2000s . “ The next year I ended up selling my practice because I wanted to be at LIFE full-time .”

During her tenure at LIFE , Dr . Boyd has worked in what is now the Department of University Advancement , overseeing multiple areas such as Alumni Affairs and Development . She was also the Chief of Staff of Clinics , Executive Assistant to the President and has served various other roles .

“ When it came to Enrollment , I didn ’ t realize I ’ d end up serving in the position for nine years and have the opportunity to truly build the department and the team . It has been the greatest — and most rewarding — challenge of my career .”

“ Life University is such a unique place , and we attract truly unique and remarkable students . They come for the value set , the energy and the opportunities to grow and serve . We tell people , ‘ You just need to come on our campus . Once you get here , you ’ ll understand why we are such a special place .’”

While the University continues to work toward more diversity and inclusion in upper leadership roles , Dr . Boyd pointed out that LIFE has made strides — including the promotion of Jayme Pendergast to Athletic Director in 2016 .

“ The beautiful thing about higher education is that a lot of the education happens outside the classroom ,” Pendergast said . “ Being on a college campus means that you ’ re in front of a lot of human potential on a daily basis . Maybe some of that potential is unfound , or underdeveloped , but putting strong female leadership in front of a student body that is around 50 % female helps those women develop a framework to figure out their own leadership potential .”

Pendergast said it ’ s important to consider how Life University has “ maximized the roles of our women in leadership .”

to influence decision making . I personally feel very empowered to give perspective , and initiate / execute change — which is a huge step for Life U , but something that we should always be checking ourselves on .”

Having women in leadership positions isn ’ t beneficial only for students , according to Pendergast .

“ I love that my son thinks that it ’ s perfectly normal for an athletic director to be female ,” she said . “ He doesn ’ t know that I am the only female in the room most of the time , but he will grow up and see leadership from a different perspective than he would if I didn ’ t model that for him . I hope that he sees that women lead in ways that are remarkably similar to men , and wonderfully different than men .”

When it comes to Athletics in particular , Pendergast said , “ We still have a lot of student-athletes who get to college and have never had a female head coach ; we have to change that narrative . We are working with a population that is still developing their thoughts and perspectives on leadership , and it ’ s imperative that they don ’ t think that leadership positions are made for just one gender .”

In the days , months and years ahead , Life University aims to continue in its quest to strengthen and embolden women in positions of leadership across the board , while promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life .

Dr . Oliveira said she wants Life University “ to become the embodiment of all its aspirations .”

“ LIFE has an opportunity to grow into a very diverse community that is a beacon and an example for what diversity and inclusive excellence in higher education means ” she said . “ I believe that LIFE has a tremendous opportunity to be one of the leaders in inclusive excellence — not only in Chiropractic , but for all institutions .”

Jayme Pendergast , Athletic Director

“ Being on a college campus means that you ’ re in front of a lot of human potential on a daily basis ... Putting strong female leadership in front of a student body that is around 50 % female helps those women develop a framework to figure out their own

“ Some organizations just give diversity lip service by being complacent with having the right representation at the table ,” Pendergast said . “ However , I believe progress in this area is measured by how the organization uses their leaders

leadership potential .”

Alumni . LIFE . edu | 2019

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