ACC Leadership

Executive Committee

Chair

Rob Scott, DC, PhD
President, Life University

Vice Chair

William Morgan, DC
President, Parker University

Secretary / Treasurer

Deborah Bushway, PhD
President & CEO, Northwestern Health Sciences Univesity

Past President

Ron Oberstein, DC

President, Life Chiropractic College

Board of Directors

Christine Bradaric-Baus, PhD

President, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

Michael A. Ciolfi, DC, DBA
Dean, University of Bridgeport
Carl S. Cleveland III, DC

President, Cleveland University – Kansas City

Waleska Crespo, DrPH, MHSA
President, Universidad Central del Caribe
Jonathan Egan, DC, MPh, PhD
Associate Provost, Academic Affairs, Southern California University of Health Sciences
Rachel Ersing, DC, MBA, MAOL
Executive Director, Chiropractic Dept, D’Youville College
Sandra Hughes DC, MEd, FICC
President, Texas Chiropractic College
Jennifer Illes, DC
Vice President, College of Chiropractic Medicine, Keiser University
Nathan Long, EdD

Interim President, University of Western States

Clay McDonald, DC, MBA, JD
President, Logan University
Dennis Marchiori, DC, PhD
Chancellor, Palmer College of Chiropractic
Michael Mestan, DC, EdD

President, Northeast College of Health Sciences

Julie O'Shaughnessy, DC, FCCS, MSc
Professeure Clinicienne Titulaire, UQTR
Greg Snow, DC

Senior Campus Administrator, Palmer College of Chiropractic West

Anne Marie Munson, MA
ACC Executive Director

Chair

Rob Scott, DC, PhD

Since his appointment as the fifth president of Life University in May 2017, Dr. Scott has championed a significant commitment to enhancing the University’s academic offerings, campus culture and physical facilities, while placing emphasis on expanding research infrastructure and supporting the rich diversity of the campus community. During Dr. Scott’s tenure, Life University has added new online academic programs and the first accredited degree program in a Georgia correctional center for incarcerated students. In addition, student enrollments have seen new heights through impactful retention initiatives that support student learning, engagement and success.

Vice Chair

William Morgan, DC

Since receiving his doctorate of chiropractic, Dr. Morgan has constantly been on the forefront of all things that elevate the reputation of health and wellness. Presidents, Supreme Court Justices and members of Congress have been under his care. He established the first chiropractic clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and was the chiropractor to the U.S. Naval Academy football team. Dr. Morgan serves on an advisory board created to address injuries sustained by U.S. Armed Forces Personnel during active duty operations, and served with the Navy outright in a Special Warfare unit. Dr. Morgan quickly brought his rich depth of experience to the students at Parker and works so that a diverse and established career like his own is available to all at Parker. His contagious passion for shaping the future of healthcare is a driving force at Parker and informs the legacy of the university and its students.

Secretary / Treasurer

Deborah Bushway, PhD

Dr. Bushway was appointed as the President and CEO at Northwestern Health Sciences University in November 2018. She previously served as Provost and Executive Vice President. Dr. Bushway has also served as a consultant to the Lumina Foundation regarding Competency Based Education in Higher Education. She was previously an Advisor in the Office of the Undersecretary at the Department of Education in Washington, DC. Prior to this, she was an interim associate Dean at the University of Wisconsin – Extension and the Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Academic Innovation, Provost and interim President at Capella University. Dr. Bushway has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, including 17 years with Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she held a variety of faculty and leadership roles. She earned both her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Psychology from Iowa State University. She has authored numerous articles, book chapters and conference presentations throughout her career.

Past President

Dr. Ron Oberstein, DC

In August 2017, Dr. Ron Oberstein was named the third president of Life Chiropractic College West. Dr. Oberstein brings extensive experience and vision to the Life West community. He has rejuvenated the connection within the campus to the principles of Lasting Purpose; Giving, Doing, Loving and Serving from our own abundance.

Christine Bradaric-Baus, PhD

Dr. Christine Bradaric-Baus, was appointed president of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in July, 2024.

She is a distinguished academic leader with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from McMaster University. Her leadership experience includes previous roles as Vice President, Academic at Mohawk College, Dean at Seneca College, and Niagara College. She has excelled in achieving record enrollments, securing grants, and establishing partnerships.

At CMCC, in her role as CMCC Vice President Academic and Chief Academic Officer from 2017 to 2024, she implemented innovative learning strategies, met rigorous accreditation standards, and increased research funding and productivity.

Bradaric-Baus is actively involved in scholarship and professional activities and serves on several boards including the Ontario Council of Articulation and Transfers (ONCAT) and the Simulation Canada Board of Directors. She is an active participant in national and international conferences and research forums. Nominated to serve as Chair, Association of Chiropractic Colleges Chief Academic Officers Work Group, she also serves as a member of the Research Advisory Board at the RAND Research Across Complementary and Integrative Health Institutions (REACH) Center.

Michael A. Ciolfi, DC, MBA, DBA

Dean, University of Bridgeport

Dr. Ciolfi is Dean, College of Health Sciences and Associate Professor at the University of Bridgeport. He received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Lakehead University, a second bachelor’s degree in nutrition and doctor of chiropractic degree from Life University, a master of business administration from the University of Fredericton and a doctorate of business administration from Walden University. Dr. Ciolfi practiced for a 14-year period in private and multidiscipline office settings as a chiropractic physician in Ontario Canada and St. Augustine Florida before entering into education on a full-time basis. He has been with the University of Bridgeport since 2015 serving as the Dean/Director for the School of Chiropractic and Associate Dean, College of Health Sciences before his current role as Dean, College of Health Sciences.

Carl S. Cleveland III, DC

Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III is a fourth generation doctor of chiropractic, grandson of the founders, and the third president of Cleveland Chiropractic College, now Cleveland University-Kansas City. He is a tireless ambassador for the chiropractic profession as represented by his service history. Having served as president of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges and president of the Council on Chiropractic Education, currently he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association for the History of Chiropractic, the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund and the William M. Harris Family Foundation. He is a founding member of the Chiropractic Summit and has served as national spokesperson for the ACA/ICA Alliance for Chiropractic Progress. Dr. Cleveland III teaches Foundations in Philosophy and Science of Chiropractic.

Waleska Crespo, DrPH, MHSA

Jonathan Egan, DC, PhD

Assistant Provost, Academic Administration, Southern California University of Health Sciences

Jonathon Egan, DC, MPH, PhD serves as Assistant Provost, Academic Administration, at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) and was previously Dean of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic at SCU. With education in chiropractic and public health – and experience as President of a county Board of Health, a chiropractor within the VA, and a health educator and administrator – Jonathon encourages chiropractic engagement in interprofessional education, collaborative practice, health equity, and whole-person health.

Rachel Ersing, DC, MBA, MAOL

Dr. Rachel Ersing joined D’Youville in 2019 as executive director of the chiropractic department, and also serves as the athletics diversity and inclusion designee. The athletics diversity and inclusion designee plays a vital role in fostering the relationship between the NCAA national office, athletics department, conference office and campus. when information around inclusive programs, emerging diversity issues and other related equity initiatives needs to be shared. Dr. Ersing works closely with the Senior Woman Administrator to address and strengthen D’Youville’s values and principles around diversity and inclusion.

Sandra Hughes DC, MEd, FICC

Sandra Hughes is the 16th president of Texas Chiropractic College. She is recognized as a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors (FICC) and is also a TCC graduate. Prior to serving as president, Hughes served as the Executive Vice President of Texas Chiropractic College and for three years, focused on operations and accreditation for the college. Hughes joined TCC in 2003 after owning her chiropractic practice for over seven years and teaching for over 10 years. Prior to her time as executive vice president, she held several key administrative roles at Texas Chiropractic College. Her most notable positions include her service as Vice President of Administrative Services, Dean of Institutional Advancement and Director of Admissions. Hughes holds a B.S. in psychology from Texas A&M University, M.Ed. in teacher leadership/curriculum from Lamar University, and a B.S. in human biology and Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) from Texas Chiropractic College. In addition, Hughes is Secondary Science Composite certified, AVID Reading and Science certified from the AVID Institute, and English as a Second Language certified from the Texas Board of Education. Her research focuses on AIDS and has been presented at both health science and psychology conferences.

Jennifer Illes, DC

Dr. Illes was appointed to Vice President in 2022 and will be responsible for the academic, financial, and clinical oversight of the Keiser University College of Chiropractic Medicine and Spine Care Clinic. For the past five years, Dr. Illes has served as a full-time faculty member for the KUCCM and has been instrumental in the development and growth of the chiropractic program. In addition, she serves as the President of the Faculty American Chiropractic Association (FACA) and holds a seat on the House of Delegates for the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

Nathan Long, Ed.D.

Nathan Long, Ed.D., was appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as Interim President of University of Western States (UWS), beginning his term on June 24, 2024. He is currently on sabbatical from his presidency at Saybrook University. During his time at UWS, he intends to support a number of strategic initiatives promoting the growth and long-term sustainability of the institution.

Dr. Long has been serving as president of Saybrook University since August 2014. Saybrook is a non-profit, regionally accredited, private institution of higher learning and a member of The Community Solution Education System. He is also the host of the podcast “Saybrook Insights with President Nathan Long,” which brings key ideas to audiences across the country from Saybrook faculty, students, alumni, and the broader community, helping advance the health and well-being of all our communities.

Prior to his roles at UWS and Saybrook University, Dr. Long served for ten years as an associate professor, dean, chief academic officer, and then president of The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has also held academic and student affairs positions at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, the University of Cincinnati, and Arizona State University.

Dr. Long’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance, a Master of Education in Educational Studies with cognates in educational psychology and sociology, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Studies, with core concentrations in history, sociology, and peace and urban education. Among his publications, he has several peer-reviewed academic articles and has co-edited and co-authored works including African American Peace Leaders of the 20th Century with Drs. Marvin Berlowitz and Eric Jackson (2003, Mellen Press).

He currently resides in both Portland, Oregon, and the Southern California area with his partner, Kim.

Clay McDonald, DC, MBA, JD

Clay McDonald, DC, MBA, JD became the seventh President of Logan University in March 2013. Dr. McDonald has more than 20 years of experience as a Senior Administrator at chiropractic institutions and 30 years as a successful Chiropractic Practitioner. After graduating from Logan with his chiropractic degree in August 1982, Dr. McDonald spent eight years in Eureka, Mont., where he co-owned a multidisciplinary clinic that linked medical, chiropractic, physical therapy and mental health. Dr. McDonald earned his Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from St. Ambrose University in 1997. He received his Juris Doctorate in 2001 from Valparaiso University School of Law with a Healthcare and Elder Law Certificate and Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate.

Dennis Marchiori, DC, PhD

Dennis Marchiori (mar-KEE-ohr-ee), D.C., Ph.D., became chancellor of Palmer College of Chiropractic in December 2009. He graduated with his doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College in 1990, and went on to earn his M.S. degree in anatomy at Palmer in 1992. In 1995, he completed a three-year residency in radiology at Palmer College leading to diplomate status with the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology. Dr. Marchiori received his doctorate in policy, planning and leadership from the University of Iowa in 2005.

Michael Mestan, DC, EdB

Northeast College’s 5th president, Dr. Michael Mestan, is a second-generation doctor of chiropractic and has a proud history of leadership in the profession.

He has worked as a chiropractor, chief resident during his diagnostic imaging residency, professor of diagnostic imaging and owner of a private practice of radiology. In addition to publishing in peer-reviewed and indexed journals, serving on editorial boards for chiropractic-related journals and being part of accreditation site visit teams, Dr. Mestan has also served on the executive committee of the American Chiropractic College of Radiology and has held various faculty and administrative chiropractic college appointments.

Julie O'Shaughnessy, DC, FCCS, MSc

Julie O’Shaughnessy is the director of and a full clinical professor in the chiropractic department. Upon her hiring, she developed a new teaching approach at the university chiropractic clinic, centered around observation and knowledge transfer from experienced clinicians. She has also contributed to integrating several clinical research projects into the chiropractic clinic, with an educational component. This research-based teaching approach not only fosters interdisciplinary approaches and interprofessional collaborations but also creates a unique learning opportunity, exposing and guiding students through the assessment of complex patient cases. As a supervising clinician, she has implemented innovative pedagogical practices in the management of low back pain.

Gregory Snow, DC

Dr. Snow is Senior Campus Administrator and dean of Academic Affairs for Palmer’s West Campus. His previous roles include dean of Academic Affairs, dean of Clinics, faculty clinician and he has taught courses throughout his 28-year tenure at Palmer West.  Greg has presented several papers at scientific conferences, has authored or co-authored four articles, and is a peer reviewer for several scientific journals. A 1990 graduate of Palmer College’s West Campus, he received his B.A. from the University of Iowa and is currently pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership at Cal State University East Bay.

Anne Marie Munson, MA

ACC Executive Director

Ms. Munson has 20 years’ experience in organizational management, strategic planning, brand strategy, and business development. She has served the chiropractic profession since 2013 as SVP of operations with the American Chiropractic Association, and in 2022, joined the Association of Chiropractic Colleges as Executive Director. Prior to her career in nonprofit management, Ms. Munson managed strategic planning initiatives for a higher ed software development company. She received her MA in cultural anthropology from George Mason University where she also serves as adjunct professor.