Parker University announces the appointment of new president

December 11, 2012 — The Board of Trustees of Parker University and Parker Seminars announced the appointment of their new president, Brian J. McAulay, DC, PhD.

This appointment comes after an intensive three-month search conducted by a board-appointed presidential search committee of nine members, headed by Wright L. Lassiter, Jr., PhD, chair of the Board of Trustees.

“The presidential search committee and Board of Trustees felt that Dr. McAulay was the best choice to lead Parker into the future,” said Dr. Lassiter.  “In the search for a new president, the search committee was mindful of the expansion in the role and mission of the institution as a university.  In that regard, Dr. McAulay has a PhD in business and management, the doctor of chiropractic degree, and further professional education at the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management, and was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in educational administration by the American Council on Education.  In addition, a noteworthy aspect of his professional experience is service as a chiropractic department chair and teaching experience in business and management at Philadelphia University and Temple University.”

McAulay replaces Fabrizio Mancini, DC, who has retired after serving as president for just under fourteen years. During his tenure with Parker, Mancini had a significant impact on both Parker and the chiropractic profession, raising the visibility of the profession by participating in media efforts that reached millions of people never exposed to the chiropractic message.

In addition, he oversaw the renaming of the institution to Parker University in April 2011 and guided the institution through a successful SACS reaffirmation in 2012.  From a global perspective, Mancini oversaw the development of internship programs in foreign cities such as Bogota, Colombia, and Mexico City, Mexico and instituted Parker Seminars events in countries including Japan, Greece and Australia.

McAulay brings experience in both the chiropractic profession and higher education to Parker University and Parker Seminars.  McAulay’s education is extensive with a PhD from Temple University, a doctor of chiropractic degree from Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic and a bachelor’s of commerce from the University of Toronto.  In addition, McAulay participated in the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows program and the Institute for Educational Management (IEM) program through the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Over the past 13 years, McAulay has served as executive vice president/provost and interim president for Sherman College of Chiropractic, vice-president for academic affairs at Palmer College, and provost and executive vice president/provost for Life University. Each of these institutions experienced growth and success under McAulay’s leadership.

“I am very proud to become a part of the Parker family and I look forward to helping the institution maintain its reputation as one of the premier schools in chiropractic education.” said McAulay.  “While Parker’s history is rich with tradition and success, it’s the future that is so intriguing to me.  This is an exciting time for Parker as the institution looks to expand into new degree programs that complement and support chiropractic.  I believe my experience in balancing program expansion and foundational chiropractic programs will certainly be a benefit to Parker in the coming years.”

Last year, Parker University developed a strategic plan that called for the introduction of twelve new allied health programs by 2017.  The first three degree programs, slated for introduction in January 2013, include an associate’s degree in Radiological Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Health Care.  All three degrees were carefully selected for introduction based on criteria including how well they support and complement chiropractic, the job forecasts for each degree program and the higher than average expected salaries for each profession these degrees serve.

“Program expansion calls for a president with a unique set of skills and talents.” said Gery Hochanadel, PhD, provost of Parker University.  “I am very pleased with the board’s decision to hire Dr. McAulay as the next president of Parker.  His experience in maintaining chiropractic as the foundational program while expanding degree offerings will be critical to the future of Parker University and the students we serve.”

In addition to his role with Parker University, McAulay will also serve as president of Parker Seminars.  With over sixty years supporting the chiropractic profession, Parker Seminars continues to serve the profession as the premier professional seminar dedicated to helping chiropractors and chiropractic assistants build successful practices.  Parker Seminars has four North American seminars planned for 2013, with the largest gathering taking place in Las Vegas January 10-12, 2013.

“I am very aware of the impact Parker Seminars and Dr. Parker had on the chiropractic profession and I consider it a great honor to oversee this effort.  Parker Seminars is the meeting place for the profession and I intend to continue positioning Parker Seminars as a global resource for the chiropractic profession,” said McAulay.

Source: Parker University, parker.edu