Dear Alumni and Friends of Life University ,
2020 has been far from ordinary ! We ’ ve all been faced with unexpected challenges and adversity that have forced us to adapt in our personal and professional lives . On top of a virus that has impacted everyone at some level , including us in the world of higher education and health care , there has been racial unrest that has further emphasized the need for systemic changes both in the higher education and healthcare fields . Throughout this year , I have been encouraged more than ever by how our University has responded and adapted to the challenges we ’ ve faced , as well as with the commitment our LIFE community continuously carries with them to positively impact social change and maximize the expression of the perfection within EVERY person .
One of the highlights of not only this year , but of my three-plus year tenure as LIFE ’ s President , is the establishment of the Office of Diversity , Equity and Inclusion ( ODEI ) on LIFE ’ s campus . In 2019 , the Office of the President launched a campus climate initiative as the first step to better understanding how we are doing as an institution in our effort to be inclusive toward our community members . And while we found out through conversations with members of our campus that most have had a positive experience overall at Life University , we still had work to do in the areas of diversity , equity and inclusion . Therefore , with the launch of ODEI , we are striving to make LIFE a leading institution for inclusive excellence where people of all identities , perspectives and experiences find a welcoming environment where multiplicity , parity and inclusiveness are unwavering values . You can read more about this new office in this year ’ s issue .
While this year has no doubt been different , I can ’ t express enough the pride I feel in leading such a dedicated group of administrators , faculty and staff . Within two weeks , they answered the call and transitioned all of our programs to remote instruction back in March . At the time , there was no way we could have anticipated the length for which remote instruction would be the primary method of delivery for our courses ; however , everyone stepped up and many stepped outside their comfort zones to learn new skills in technology that will inevitably translate to making us a more viable institution in the future .
And while we were certainly busy adjusting to the countless changes that the move to remote instruction brought about , we did not sit idly by and solely try to survive during this period of time . At Life University , we set out to thrive in everything we do . So , our Dr . Sid E . Williams Center for Chiropractic Research ( CCR ) went to work creating a groundbreaking educational tool that will forever change the way that chiropractic students learn the art of adjusting . The Palpation and Adjustment Trainer , aka PAT , is an anatomically accurate , technology-based mannequin with the look , feel , size and weight of an average person . It contains embedded pressure sensors that measure location of contact on the mannequin as internal controls create intersegmental fixation at specific spinal regions . You can see all the details on PAT in this issue .
While I could go on about the remarkable achievements our institution has seen this year , I want to close with a message to you , our LIFE alumni and friends . As an institution , we stand on your shoulders , as you are the testament of what makes Life University so great . You , as chiropractors , dietitians , health coaches , life coaches , psychologists , business executives , and more are continuously showing the world by the lives you touch on a daily basis just what Life University is all about . You embody Lasting Purpose ! To our Doctors of Chiropractic whose offices were deemed an essential service by their states and remained open to those who sought out your service and benefited from your care , I salute you . Stay encouraged to keep up the good fight , as we all lead the vital health revolution together and into brighter days ahead .
All the Best in the Coming Year ,
President Rob Scott , D . C ., Ph . D .