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November 21, 2002
DESPAIN NAMED PRESIDENT OF LIFE
UNIVERSITY
Career administrator says restoring accreditation and growing undergraduate
enrollment are top priorities.
After a four-month search, Life University's Board of Trustees has selected Ben
C. DeSpain as the 28-year-old University's second president.
DeSpain comes to Life from the University of Tennessee - Martin, where he served
as Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences for the past two
years.
DeSpain's reputation and experience in crisis situations made him the right
candidate for the presidency, said Dr. Charles Ribley, chairman of Life's Board
of Trustees.
"Ben has a proven record of problem solving over his 30 years in education
administration," Ribley said. "We're lucky to have his expertise on
board at this crucial time in Life's history."
Life is in the process of regaining accreditation for its chiropractic program.
The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) revoked the accreditation in June
and denied Life's appeal of that decision in October. Life is waiting for an
indication from CCE on the anticipated timing for reaccreditation.
DeSpain said restoring the chiropractic accreditation is his top priority at
Life, followed by generating more interest in Life's undergraduate programs in
its School of Arts and Sciences.
"Chiropractic is the foundation of this University and we will devote any
and all resources necessary to restore our program's status," DeSpain said.
"It will also benefit us long-term to entice undergrad students, studying
business or biology, to enroll at Life."
DeSpain began his career in education as a high school principal in Virginia
before going on to serve as superintendent at a number of progressively larger
school districts in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Louisiana and Kentucky.
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Federation
of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
FAX 970.356.3599