Dr. Christopher Kent and Dr. Matthew McCoy, joined by Dr. Stephanie Libs and Dr. Jen Santos, examine governance concerns, accreditation challenges, and the growing calls for reform at Life West and Life University.
Chiropractic education is facing a difficult moment. Questions surrounding institutional leadership, financial transparency, and student welfare have intensified concerns about the future of two influential chiropractic colleges.
In the September 2026 edition of On Purpose Philosophy, Dr. Christopher Kent and Dr. Matthew McCoy welcome Dr. Stephanie Libs and Dr. Jen Santos, two Life West alumni advocating for greater accountability. Their discussion examines how institutional decisions affect students, faculty, and the profession’s long-term stability.
A Breakdown in Institutional Confidence
Concerns surrounding Life Chiropractic College West and Life University have prompted expressions of no confidence and increased scrutiny of institutional leadership. Libs and Santos describe how questions about Life West’s administration led them to examine accreditation findings, governance practices, and board oversight.
“At some point when the things go so terribly wrong in the institutions we care about, then someone has to step up and get involved and start speaking out.” – Dr. Stephanie Libs
Their advocacy reflects a desire to preserve the institutions while challenging leadership decisions they believe threaten their future.
Accreditation, Governance, and Financial Transparency
The discussion highlights accreditation concerns involving WASC and the Council on Chiropractic Education, including questions about institutional oversight and academic administration.
Kent and McCoy also examine allegations involving board expenditures, property investments, and limited access to governing documents. Although these claims require independent examination, they raise broader questions about transparency and fiduciary responsibility.
“These are the governing documents of the institution.” – Dr. Matthew McCoy
For institutions entrusted with students’ education and financial investments, effective governance requires clear communication and accountability.
Student Safety and the Consequences of Silence
Among the most serious issues discussed are allegations of sexual misconduct and concerns about institutional responses to student complaints. Santos recounts her experience attempting to assist a student with an incident report, describing resistance within administrative channels.
The allegations remain distinct from established legal findings, but the discussion underscores the importance of accessible reporting procedures and appropriate institutional safeguards.
Libs and Santos also describe the pressure experienced by students and faculty who fear speaking publicly about institutional concerns.
“We’re not scaring the students. We are informing the students.” – Dr. Stephanie Libs
They emphasize that students deserve accurate information about accreditation, academic requirements, and available educational options.
Protecting Chiropractic’s Future Through Reform
For Dr. Kent and Dr. McCoy, the controversy extends beyond individual institutions. Life West and Life University hold important positions within subluxation-based chiropractic education, making their stability a significant concern for practitioners who value that tradition.
The guests advocate stronger alumni involvement, greater student participation, and meaningful governance reform. Their position is that preserving these institutions requires confronting problems rather than overlooking them.
“You do have the power and this is just the beginning.” – Dr. Christopher Kent
The September Philosophy discussion ultimately examines the responsibilities that accompany institutional leadership. Chiropractic colleges must demonstrate accountability not only through their educational missions, but also through the decisions that shape students’ futures.
Meaningful reform begins with informed participation, transparent governance, and a willingness to address difficult questions.
Continue the Conversation with On Purpose
Explore the full September Philosophy discussion with Dr. Christopher Kent, Dr. Matthew McCoy, Dr. Stephanie Libs, and Dr. Jen Santos.
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About On Purpose
The On Purpose Podcast is hosted by Christopher Kent DC, JD, MBA, ACP and Matthew McCoy DC, MPH. Since the early 1990s, On Purpose has been the spearhead of the Chiropractic Freedom Movement. It began as mailed cassette tapes, evolved into CDs, then online audio, and now lives on Substack with full-length video segments in Science, Philosophy, and Politics.
Tagline: When You Are On Purpose, You Are Not Alone.
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