LOMBARD, Ill. - In the July 16, 2001, issue, we reported that James Winterstein, DC, president of National University of Health Sciences (NUHS), would step down from his post on April 30, 2003. David Wickes, DC, DACBI, a faculty member at the school since 1979, was selected at that time as his successor.
However, a recent press release from the college indicated an "about-face" concerning those plans:
"National University of Health Sciences has been operating under a plan of succession to the office of the presidency. On March 7, 2003, The Board of Trustees of National University of Health Sciences, in conjunction with the President, concluded that it is in the best interests of the university that the transition to a new president be suspended immediately. The 'no-cause release' component of the contract the university has with Dr. Wickes has been implemented, and the Board has asked Dr. Winterstein to continue to serve as President for the foreseeable future. "Dr. Winterstein stated: 'I have been asked by the board to continue to serve as the president of National. I am happy to do so and will provide an energetic and dedicated effort in behalf of the institutional purposes and direction.'"
As we go to press, the college had no further remarks concerning the abrupt decision.
Dr. Wickes, a 1977 NUHS graduate, has served his alma mater in several roles: chairman of the diagnosis department; director of the Training and Assessment Center; dean of clinics; assistant vice president for academic affairs; vice president for academic affairs; and senior vice president and provost. His name is no longer listed on the university's Web site.
Dr. Winterstein, now in his 17th year as president of NUHS, played a significant role in the college's evolution from National College of Chiropractic in 2000. He also has served as assistant director of the university clinic; chairman of radiology; and (after departing for 12 years of private practice) dean of clinics. Had he stepped down in April, as originally planned, he would have continued as president emeritus of NUHS until 2009.
