Life University alumni elected to Georgia House of Representatives

Two distinguished Life University (Life U) alumni, Karen Mathiak, DC, and Anissa Jones, DC, were elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in the Nov. 5 election.

Both graduates of Life U’s College of Chiropractic, Mathiak and Jones exemplify leadership, dedication to health care and a commitment to public service, noted a Life U press release. They have each served the chiropractic profession as well as their communities in numerous roles.

About Karen Mathiak

Mathiak has been a member of the Georgia House of Representatives since 2016 and was re-elected to represent Georgia’s 82nd District. A 1984 graduate of Life U, Mathiak attributes her political priorities to her foundational education at the university.

Through her legislative role, she has been a staunch advocate for improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Mathiak continues her practice at Mathiak Chiropractic Center in Griffin, Georgia.

She is also the chair of the Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a board member of the Georgia Chiropractic Association (GCA) and chair of its education committee, treasurer of the GCA’s political action committee and a member of the Life University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

About Anissa Jones

Newly elected to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent Georgia’s 143rd District, Jones brings fresh leadership, with constituents in parts of Macon and Warner Robins. Jones will take the seat vacated by House Minority Leader James Beverly.

A 1998 graduate of Life U, Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fort Valley State University and an MBA from Wesleyan College.

Also a member of the GCA board of trustees, Jones has a long-standing commitment to education, healthcare access and economic development. Her career has been marked by dedication to equitable policies that improve the quality of life of her constituents.

She is the founder of Middle Georgia Disc Center in Macon, where she continues to practice as a DC.

Alumni supported their Georgia House of Representatives campaigns

In support of their campaigns, Life University alumni and fellow DCs rallied at fundraising events organized by members of the chiropractic community. The Georgia Chiropractic Association political action committee also played a pivotal role in the successful election bids, reflecting a collective effort to support leaders who embody the values of holistic healthcare and public service.

“Dr. Karen Mathiak and Dr. Anissa Jones are living examples of Life University’s foundational value of Lasting Purpose: ‘to give, to do, to love, to serve,’” said Life University Executive Director of Alumni and Friends Magi Rodgers. “Their election is not only a testament to their dedication but also a reflection of Life U’s enduring commitment to empowering healthcare leaders who serve their communities with distinction.”

For more information about Life University, visit life.edu.

About Life University

Founded in 1974, Life University (Life U) is a health sciences institution most known for its College of Chiropractic, the largest single-campus college of chiropractic in the world. Undergraduates can pursue 12 undergraduate degrees; a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway; and two graduate degrees within the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education.

Life U strives to empower our students to succeed both professionally and personally. At Life U, we innovate our approach to higher education, while also remaining true to our philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, Life U recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official Life University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.

Life U’s 110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, just northwest of Atlanta, is home to more than 2,700 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 65 countries.

Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, associate, master’s and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.