The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 7/16/02 Life University's new leader aims to save school By MARY MACDONALD Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer Ben Gray / AJC Michael Schmidt says he wants to 'preserve the institution.' Michael Schmidt has a new job with a simple focus: Keep Life University open and viable as a chiropractic college. The interim president stepped into his offices at 8 a.m. Monday and began to meet informally with staff, faculty and students, whose confidence in the institution needs to be restored for Schmidt to succeed. He plans to address students this morning in an assembly, and he expects to be frank. The university board of trustees, who hired Schmidt last week to replace president and founder Sid Williams, want him to restore financial and academic stability. The university has lost its chiropractic accreditation and faces renewed scrutiny by a regional organization that accredits all of its programs, enabling students to obtain federally subsidized loans. "My mandate from the board is to preserve the institution," said Schmidt, 55. Its budget and academic programs are open for his review. Expensive sports programs, the elaborate Christmas lights display, administrative positions -- all are on the table for potential cuts. The chiropractic accreditation, revoked by the Council on Chiropractic Education, will be extended during the appeal process. Deficiencies cited by the council are among the issues he will examine. Related: Ä A mandate to save the school. Ä Without icon, Life U. likely to struggle. Ä Williams retires as Life U. president. Ä Panel ousts trustee. Ä Life founder vacates office. Ä Life mulls plan to team with chiropractic school. Ä Founder seen by some as problem for university. Ä Accreditation woes worry students at commencement. Ä Life reports sub-par scores on national board exam. Ä Williams says he will step down in March. Ä University leaders failed to establish proper environment, agency says. Ä Life U. loses chiropractic accreditation. "The priority is the educational program," he said. "I have been directed to look at everything. There is no sacred cow." Most recently a real estate investor, Schmidt served as dean of the chiropractic program at Life Chiropractic College West for 10 years. He was among the initial faculty at Life University. He joined the staff in 1975, six months after the university was founded. "He knows the school. He knows what direction the board wants to take the school," said trustee James Sigafoose. On his first day as interim president, Schmidt was encouraged by unexpected news. The number of students who fled Life for accredited chiropractic colleges was fewer than expected. About 2,390 students were enrolled in summer classes through the final day of the drop period, Schmidt said, a loss of just 200. Retention is essential. The chiropractic tuition generates 80 percent of university revenues. Peter Scire, a student and outspoken critic of the previous administration, met the new president briefly. He said he hoped Schmidt would speak frankly and honestly with students. "He seems to be saying the right things," Scire said. Although the length of his interim assignment is unknown, Schmidt is expected to be considered for the permanent position. He was one of eight considered for the interim presidency, a position created by the forced retirement of Williams last week. He is optimistic the university can regain its footing. "I want to preserve the institution. I've been with Life University and Life West for 25 years. It means a lot to me professionally, spiritually and emotionally."