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Our History

Life Chiropractic College West traces its founding to 1976, when the institution was called Pacific States Chiropractic College and had just begun the process of developing an educational institution and preparing the college to receive its first class of students. In April 1978, the first group of students at Pacific States Chiropractic College began attending classes.

In March 1981, through the efforts of Dr. George Anderson, Dr. George Wentland, and Dr. Sid E. Williams, president and founder of Life Chiropractic College (now Life University), an agreement was reached between Life Chiropractic College and Pacific States Chiropractic College. As a result, the college was renamed Life Chiropractic College West.

Dr. Gerry Clum served as the President of Life West for 30 years until his retirement in December of 2010. His contribution to the college and the profession, both in the United States and the world beyond, is unparalleled.

In 2010, the Board of Regents appointed Dr. Brian Kelly as the second President of Life West. Dr. Kelly took up the role in January 2011, and under Dr. Kelly’s direction, Life West grew and flourished.

Upon Dr. Kelly’s departure in October 2016, the Board of Regents appointed the Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Ron Oberstein, to serve as Interim President. In July 2017, Dr. Oberstein was selected as the third President of Life West. Under Dr. Oberstein’s leadership, the college has turned its focus to mission-centric and student-centric operations while focusing on the principles of Lasting Purpose: to give, to do, to love and to serve, from a sense of abundance.

Life West is proud of its history and legacy of producing happy and successful alumni who practice around the world. We are excited to continue to hold the initial vision alive while innovating and finding ways to educate at the highest level and to maintain the honor of graduating successful and thriving chiropractors.