On Sept. 12, 2022, Parker University celebrated founder Dr. Jim Parker’s 102nd birthday along with the 40th anniversary of its opening.
Parker College was chartered by the State of Texas on March 8, 1978, and received its nonprofit IRS status in October of 1978. The original campus, located in Irving, Texas, officially opened on Sept. 12, 1982, Dr. Parker’s 62nd birthday.
The first class of 27 students graduated in September of 1985. In April of 2011, Parker College of Chiropractic officially became Parker University, paving the way for new health care degree programs that expand students’ scope of knowledge and provide additional opportunities for Parker University graduates to serve even more people worldwide.
Dr. Parker was born in Snyder, Texas, on Sept. 12, 1920, and suffered from chronic illnesses throughout his childhood. After starting chiropractic treatments for his ailments, Dr. Parker’s health improved, which led him to dream of becoming a doctor of chiropractic (DC).
While he was a student at Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Parker established two chiropractic clinics in Illinois. He moved to Fort Worth in 1947 and opened 18 clinics in Texas. In 1951, Dr. Parker started the Parker Chiropractic Resource Foundation (PCRF), with seminars worldwide taught through his Parker School for Professional Success (PSPS). In 1971, he created Share International, the world’s largest supplier of chiropractic products. From 1963-70, Dr. Parker impacted more than 500,000 DCs with his seminars.
In September 1982, Dr. Parker opened Parker College of Chiropractic in Irving. The college began as an extension of his Parker Seminars program, and he served as president of the college until 1996. Through the years, he served as president of Parker College of Chiropractic, on the Parker Chiropractic Resource Foundation, and through Share International.
About Parker University
Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker (formerly Parker College of Chiropractic). Today, Parker University has more than 1,800 students and more than 35 academic programs, including its famed chiropractic program, as well as master’s degrees in neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, strength and human performance, and functional nutrition. Currently, Parker University’s chiropractic cohort is the second largest of any campus in the world. Parker University has been recognized as a Great College to Work For®, one of the 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges in the U.S., and as a recipient of the 2021 FutureEdge 50 Awards.
