Our History

Life Chiropractic College West traces its founding to 1976, when the institution was known as Pacific States Chiropractic College and began 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 U.S. and the world 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 after spending the previous six years as the president of New Zealand College of Chiropractic. Under Dr. Kelly’s direction, Life West has begun an exciting phase of new renaissance and growth.

Life West is proud of our 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 to always find ways to educate at the highest level and to maintain the honor of graduating the most successful and satisfied chiropractors.