Northwestern Health Sciences University announces new $500K Chair in Biomechanics and Human Performance, endowed by Foot Levelers

Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU), headquartered in Bloomington, Minn., and Foot Levelers, Inc., of Roanoke, Va., have announced the creation of a new $500,000 endowed chair at NWHSU to advance the biomechanics field.

The Foot Levelers Chair in Biomechanics and Human Performance at NWHSU— the premier evidence-based integrative health institution of higher education— is a pioneering addition to further break into a critically important area that involves how the human spine, bones, joints, feet, and other parts of the body work efficiently and effectively together.

“We are grateful to Foot Levelers for the creation of this chair in a discipline important for people to live happier and healthier lives,” says Dr. Deb Bushway, president and chief executive officer of NWHSU. “In our Human Performance Health Center, we’re training the next generation of health care providers to work integratively and incorporate movement into their practice. This new chair will elevate our work and support expanded research in this field.”

The chair position has been awarded to Dr. Andrew Klein, D.C., D.A.C.B.S.P., C.S.C.S.,  director of NWHSU’s Human Performance Center (HPC) since 2020. With over three decades in the complementary and integrative health care field, Klein is well-positioned to spearhead this new position to advance biomechanics as the HPC specializes in integrative, evidence-based treatment to improve human movement and overall health. Chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy students learn and complete internships in the HPC, working with local and national athletes and athletic teams.

Kent S. Greenawalt, chairman and CEO of Foot Levelers, says, “It gives us enormous pride to be part of this groundbreaking project. The research generated from this chair will help propel chiropractic to a higher level in the world health care environment. Research studies and their publication are vital to the growth of our great profession. We’re honored, excited and immensely proud of these efforts and the results they will bring to patient care.”

Research is key to advancing biomechanics and human performance.  In addition to its endowment to create the new chair, Foot Levelers — the world’s leading provider of custom orthotics and therapeutic solutions designed to help reduce pain in the feet, legs, hips, back and neck and align and balance the entire body for better allover health — has created an annual $25,000 matching gift which will be used to further clinical research on functional orthotics products.

“We have always been at the forefront of research and education,” explains Greenawalt. “In 1985, we established the Greenawalt Chair for Research at the University in honor of my father Dr. Monte Greenawalt, the founder of Foot Levelers, and one of the first for a chiropractic university.  Dr. Greenawalt had a lifetime commitment to research, chiropractic education, and the values he believed every doctor of chiropractic should uphold, such as sincerity, honesty, and integrity.  At that time, it was unheard of for chiropractic to have a funded chair.”

Jamie Greenawalt, senior vice president, Foot Levelers, adds, “NWHSU and Foot Levelers have a long-time partnership in helping to shape and advance integrative health care. “This chair is an exciting way to further build our relationship to develop new opportunities for research and student learning that will lead to better patient outcomes.”

About Dr. Andrew Klein

Dr. Klein received a BA in Physical Education from Lehman College, an MS Ed. in Exercise Physiology from Queens College and was awarded a chiropractic degree from Northeast College of Health Sciences. He is board-certified in chiropractic sports medicine by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. He served as chiropractor for Team USA at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, and as the team chiropractor for the Minnesota Vikings. He practiced for 21 years in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department at Park Nicollet Clinic in St. Louis Park, Minn.

About Northwestern Health Sciences University

For over 80 years, Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU), based in Bloomington, Minn., has provided world-class professional education and research as well as comprehensive health and wellness services. Its more than 130 faculty members annually teach programs in chiropractic, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, massage therapy, medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, medical laboratory science, radiation therapy, radiologic technology and post-baccalaureate pre-health. NWHSU prepares the next generation of health care professionals to not only deliver, but also advance health care. NWHSU has more than 7,500 graduates throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries. For more information, please visit nwhealth.edu.

About Foot Levelers, Inc.

Foot Levelers, founded in 1952 by Dr. Monte Greenawalt, is the global leader in custom stabilization. Through their solutions, millions of people have experienced less pain and fuller, more active lives. Foot Levelers is a third-generation, family-owned company celebrating their 70^th year anniversary of partnering with health care providers to help them achieve optimal treatment results. Foot Levelers is dedicated towards advancing education and research to enhance the skills and knowledge of health care providers and elevate patient care. To learn more, visit footlevelers.com.