[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 10/21/02 ]
Text of statement issued by Life University 


Following is the text of a statement issued by Life University on Sunday: 
LIFE UNIVERSITY DENIED ACCREDITATION ON APPEAL
 
Disappointed school officials will immediately apply for re-accreditation, 
University will not close
MARIETTA, Ga., Oct. 20, 2002 - An appeal panel of the Council on Chiropractic 
Education voted today to uphold the decision of the commission on 
accreditation not to reaffirm the accreditation of Life University's doctor of 
chiropractic program.
The decision was delivered after a hearing between CCE and Life officials this 
morning.
"Obviously, we are disappointed with the decision. We hoped that our appeal 
would convince the panel to recommend re-accreditation," said Dr. Michael 
Schmidt, interim president of Life University.  "We will continue doing everything 
possible to meet CCE requirements and will immediately reapply for 
accreditation."  
"The decision is unfortunate, but Life University will survive and will continue 
our efforts to provide an excellent education to our students.  We are committed 
to take all steps necessary to attain accredited statues for the chiropractic 
program," said Dr. Charles Ribley, chairman of Life's Board of Trustees.
     The administration has also undertaken necessary cost-containment 
measures, including elimination of Life's intercollegiate athletics program, to 
ensure the school's financial solvency during and following the crisis.
     Schmidt said more steps to keep the school operating may be necessary 
over the coming months but the administration is committed to seeing the re-
accreditation process through.
     "The school will not close, period," he said. "We ask students, faculty, staff 
and friends of Life University to remain faithful and supportive of our efforts to 
restore this great institution."