November 10, 2013 — The University of Western States’ (UWS) board of trustees recently named five trustees to its executive committee. The new committee members are: Patricia G. Conners-Allen, DC (chair); Richard Branson, DC (vice chair); Robert C. Jones, DC (secretary); Richard Cole, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, FIACN, FICC (treasurer); and Alice Jacobson, EdD (member at large). The committee is responsible for overseeing the university’s strategic direction and policies.
“This is a strong and collaborative team who is committed to working with the administration to address the challenges and opportunities we expect to encounter in the foreseeable future,” said UWS President Joseph Brimhall, DC. “These are exciting times for higher ed. We have ambitious plans to expand our academic programs and course offerings to be competitive in the marketplace and attract a new set of students while ensuring that our students today are prepared for success in the 21st century.”
Executive committee members, who are also trustees of the university, are elected to one-year terms by the board, and can serve up to three years in their respective positions. “This group individually has the experience and expertise of running their own businesses or serving on boards to run their organizations’ businesses,” added Brimhall. “Their collective guidance and counsel are instrumental to shaping the future of UWS while maintaining the university’s heritage to enhancing health and wellness.”
Brief backgrounds on executive committee members:
Patricia G. Conners-Allen, DC (chair): Conners-Allen served as a district director and executive board chair for the Federation of Licensing Boards from 1999 to 2005. From 1994 to 2000 she served and chaired the Medical Care Advisory Committee to review proposed regulations which affect Alaska’s Medicaid program. She’s been in private practice in Juneau, Alaska, since 1985.
Richard Branson, DC (vice chair): Branson was the first doctor of chiropractic hired at Fairview Health Systems, Minnesota’s second largest private hospital system. He has served on numerous committees including the Minnesota Department of Human Services Health Services Advisory Council and the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters. Dr. Branson is a consultant with several national and Midwest regional insurance and managed care organizations.
Robert C. Jones, DC (secretary): Jones has served on the executive board of the New Mexico Chiropractic Association since 2006, and is the president of the association. He is also the delegate from New Mexico to the American Chiropractic Association. Dr. Jones was honored with the Fellow in the International College of Chiropractors in 2012, and was named New Mexico Chiropractor of the Year in 2009-2010 and in 2011-2012.
Richard Cole, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, FIACN, FICC (treasurer): Cole has been in private practice since 1978, a year after graduating with a doctor of chiropractic degree. Since 1998 he has served as president of ChiroAdvance, LLC, a regional independent physicians association for doctors of chiropractic in Tennessee and North Mississippi. He currently sits on the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine review board and the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Alice Jacobson, EdD (member at large): Alice Jacobson retired from a 36 year career in college and university administration and teaching in December 2003. She served as president of the Sylvania Campus of Portland Community College for 13 years, and has held administrative positions at several institutions. Over the years, she has served on numerous commissions and boards including the Northwest Association of Colleges and Universities; Equity Foundation; Neighborhood House; and the Robison Jewish Home.
Source: University of Western States
