February 2004

Palmer restructuring causes stir

The board of trustees at Palmer Chiropractic University System has clarified the reasons why it accepted Dr. Guy Riekeman’s abrupt resignation; some Palmer students and alumni have signed petitions in support of Riekeman; and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) has issued a formal statement on Riekeman’s departure.

In a press release, the Palmer board of trustees outlined the resolutions passed at its January meeting that reassert the board’s role in overseeing the university and indicated that Riekeman’s resignation was the result of not supporting the resolutions.

In the press release board chairperson Vickie Palmer said, “Former Chancellor Dr. Guy Riekeman opposed all of the resolutions except [one] and provided the board with the ultimatum that, if the resolutions were not removed, he would resign.”

The resolutions included:

1. Election of two board members to fill vacant officer positions. Elected were Dr. Trevor Ireland, DC as vice chair and William Wilke as secretary.

2. A revised board committee structure to provide the focus on critical topics. The committees now include the Executive Committee, External Relations, Curriculum and Clinic, Finance and Operations, Strategic Organizational Development and Trustee Development.

3. Employment of Larry Patten, on a temporary basis, to ensure that the board has accurate and timely information to make informed and appropriate decisions related to university affairs.

4. Board approval of all hiring and salary increased across the university system until it is clear that policies and procedures are being followed.

5. A special audit of university system operations conducted by McGladrey & Pullen.

Riekeman opposed all of the resolutions except the audit, according to the press release.

Palmer explained that the first two resolutions “are board responsibilities concurrent with good governance, not the domain of an administrator. And the third and fourth resolutions were enacted to ensure administration of the university system was following university policy and administrative guidelines. The board is also concerned about the decline in enrollment.”

Students rally

According to a news report published in the Quad-City Times, Palmer students sent a no-confidence vote with 759 signatures to Palmer and the board on Friday, Feb. 13. The petition called for the immediate reinstatement of Riekeman. The newspaper also said that alumni are organizing a vote of no-confidence in the board of trustees.

The Palmer student newspaper, the Palmer Beacon, has published a running story on the resignation and subsequent events. The Beacon said that Riekeman met with about 700 students at the First Baptist Church of Davenport, where he told attendees that he desired to return to the school.

The Beacon further reported that the Student Council Executive Committee met with Heidi Wheatley, director of Fountainhead Programs. Wheatley stated that the 2004 Lyceum program will be called “Homecoming” and will be marketed to Palmer alumni only. It will no longer include opening ceremonies.

ICA supports best interests of Palmer

The ICA’s board of directors responded to Riekeman’s resignation with a formal statement. In a press release, president CJ Mertz said, “ICA members worldwide are deeply concerned over the uncertainty at Palmer College and doctors and students in unprecedented numbers are looking for answers in what appears to be a very unfortunate situation.”

The board unanimously adopted the following statement:

“The International Chiropractors Association deeply regrets the situation within the Palmer Chiropractic University System and remains steadfast in its support of the best interest of the Palmer student community. Based upon the information available to us at this time, the ICA is concerned over the departure of Dr. Guy Riekeman from the leadership of the Palmer University System and the loss of Dr. Riekeman’s unique skills and abilities to that institution. In the past several years, Palmer has enjoyed a period of tremendous positive growth and development, while at the same time enjoying the benefits of an historic and profoundly significant enhancement of Palmer’s traditional vision and values. Dr. Riekeman’s personal role in recruiting and inspiring an entire generation of students also highlights his extraordinary record.

“The ICA is concerned that the new strength and growth enjoyed by Palmer will be jeopardized by this action and that students currently enrolled at the Palmer campuses might find their education disrupted or disturbed in some manner. ICA believes that the needs, concerns and interests of Palmer students must be the highest priority and ICA urges those in decision-making positions at Palmer to thoroughly consider the full implications of their actions regarding such important leadership issues and keep the students’ best interest paramount at all times.

“ICA strongly urges the parties in this unfortunate situation to resume a constructive dialogue in the hope that the most positive resolution will be attained in a timely manner.”

Sources: Palmer College of Chiropractic, www.palmer.edu; the Quad City Times (online), www.qctimes.com; the Palmer Beacon, www.palmerbeacon.com; the International Chiropractors Association, www.chiropractic.org.

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