This year University of Western States (UWS) celebrates the 120th anniversary of its founding, marking over a century of advancing chiropractic medicine and whole-person health education.

“As we commemorate this important milestone in our university’s history, we reflect on our lasting commitment to the advancement of whole health education focused on caring for the whole person rather than merely treating symptoms,” said Joseph Brimhall, DC, president of University of Western States. “Our institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the professions we serve and advancing careers for thousands of healthcare professionals. This legacy of academic excellence continues to evolve as UWS shapes the future of whole-person health care and education.”

Since its founding in 1904, University of Western States has been at the forefront of innovation and leadership in chiropractic care and hosts the longest-established Doctor of Chiropractic degree program in the Western United States. The university has expanded its academic programs to include naturopathic medicine, functional medicine, clinical nutrition, sports medicine, sport and performance psychology, and clinical mental health counseling. This academic expansion exemplifies the university’s commitment to whole-person health care, recognizing how multiple factors converge to impact the health and wellbeing of individuals, and facilitating the partnership between healthcare professionals and their patients.

UWS has earned an international reputation for high-quality academic programs that prepare students to flourish in their professional endeavors. Student outcome data from 2019-2022 demonstrates that 92% of UWS Doctor of Chiropractic graduates attain licensure within six months of graduation, exceeding the 80% benchmark established by the Council on Chiropractic Education. The university sees similarly high rates of licensure (91%) for graduates of the Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine programs.

Located in Portland, Oregon, the university has cultivated a strong bond with its community, forming reliable partnerships with organizations, universities, and schools to provide whole-person health care for veterans, homeless persons, athletes, students, and the community at large. The university is committed to fostering collaborations that promote the health and well-being of Portland-area residents. From its inception, UWS has offered clinical care to community members through clinics staffed by university faculty and students. Today the UWS Connected Whole Health Clinic, serves more than 15,000 patients per year.

UWS’s more than 7,000 alumni include professionals positively impacting their local communities and individuals, from Olympic-level athletes to technical laborers. This powerful alumni network spans the globe and serves as a testament to the university’s influence and reputation.

In response to disruptive changes in the higher education landscape, in 2023 UWS joined The Community Solution Education System, a national nonprofit system of six universities working collaboratively to advance academic goals, improve infrastructure and support systems, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. The System’s culture of radical cooperation aligns with UWS core values, supports the advancement of interdisciplinary health education, and enhances learning experiences for students.

To celebrate its enduring legacy, UWS is hosting a festive gala at Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland on September 28, 2024. Alumni, students, trustees, donors, business supporters, community leaders, and dignitaries will be invited to attend.

As University of Western States commemorates its 120th anniversary, the university community looks forward to preparing the next generation of whole-person health care professionals to serve the evolving needs of a diverse and dynamic world.

Visit UWS.edu to learn more about University of Western States and stay up-to-date on its plans to celebrate the milestone anniversary with the community or to explore degree programs in whole-person health care.

In fall 2023, the Dr. Steve Edward Oliver memorial scholarship will be established by his partner of 49 years, Ray Matlock Smythe, BA, MAT, to help ease the financial burden of future chiropractic physicians. This annual $5,000 scholarship will be awarded fall term to one returning student enrolled in the University of Western States doctor of chiropractic program.

“When Steve was a senior at UWS, he spent an entire summer painting all the buildings on campus,” said Smythe. “While he enjoyed it and he made a positive difference, that on top of studying and all the reading he had to do, it really tired him out. The Dr. Steve Edward Oliver memorial scholarship was created not only to honor Steve and his legacy, but to help alleviate stress for a student, so they can focus more on their studies and rest mentally, physically and emotionally during their studies.”

Dr. Oliver, UWS professor emeritus and alumnus (Class of 1975), passed on February 23, 2022. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended Jefferson High School, Portland State University, and University of Western States (then Western States Chiropractic College).

Dr. Oliver maintained a private practice in Portland and served as the academic dean of the UWS college of chiropractic, vice president of the university and chiropractic technique instructor. In 1978, at the age of 29, Dr. Oliver was named Chiropractor of the Year for the state of Oregon. He earned professor emeritus status in June 2012. One of Dr. Oliver’s proudest achievements was establishing the Student Health Center at UWS, where students had more opportunities to practice their techniques.

“Steve loved being a chiropractic physician,” said Smythe. “It was the supreme joy and passion of his life and it was truly amazing to witness. He contributed so much to his patients, students, colleagues and everyone around him. It’s an honor to recognize him in this way and I know he would be proud.”

Students can find this and other scholarship opportunities here.

For information on how you can support UWS, visit uws.edu/donate or contact [email protected].

The Nonprofit System uses a Collaborative Model that is Distinct in Higher Education 

TCS Education System, a national nonprofit system of colleges and universities announced today that Portland, Oregon-based University of Western States (UWS) has become the newest institution to join its System. This partnership marks a new era of innovative interdisciplinary health education that will benefit students and faculty at UWS and strengthen the TCS community.

Since its founding in 2009, TCS has expanded from one college to a system that encompasses six colleges and universities and serves the aspirations of nearly 14,000 students annually across 13 campus locations and online. TCS Education System’s universities work collaboratively to build strategic partnerships and leverage economies of scale to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact for colleges and universities.

“We’re excited to welcome University of Western States to TCS,” said TCS President Michael Horowitz. “UWS is a high-caliber university whose mission and values are closely aligned with our own. Their commitment to interdisciplinary rigor, student success, and innovation has propelled them on an upward trajectory for more than a century. UWS’s culture embodies TCS Education System’s values of collaboration, inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, equity, and student focus and they are a natural and exciting addition to our community. We look forward to working in close collaboration with UWS leadership to advance opportunities for their university while also strengthening the entire TCS System in ways that benefit the students and communities we serve.” 

Founded in 1904, UWS is a leader in educating and training chiropractic physicians. In recent years, the university has successfully expanded its academic programs to include nutrition and functional medicine, clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology. In the fall of 2023, they will welcome their first cohort of doctoral candidates in naturopathic medicine.

“For more than a decade, our leadership has been exploring a new model to elevate our future, and following a period of due diligence, it became clear that TCS was the best choice,” said UWS President Joseph Brimhall.  “As part of TCS Education System, we look forward to working closely with other like-minded institutions to grow and strengthen our community. This partnership will advance our ability to serve our 1,100 students as they pursue careers in the rapidly growing field of integrative health, and we look forward to contributing to the proven success that TCS has already demonstrated in interdisciplinary health care education. For UWS, joining TCS Education System brings top-level expertise in functional areas and access to enterprise-level systems, which will deliver a better experience for students, faculty, and staff.” 

As members of TCS Education System, colleges work with operational experts and peers across the System to develop innovative solutions to common challenges. By joining the System, institutions have access to expertise and enterprise systems often unavailable to institutions their size. These benefits enhance the student experience and strengthen administrative structures at the institutions, resulting in enrollment growth and improved student outcomes. 

“This new addition to our System shows the strength of our model,” Dr. Horowitz said. “When we come together to share institutional wisdom and resources, we can better serve our students and tackle the challenges of modern higher education.”

About TCS Education System:

TCS Education System (TCS) is an integrated, nonprofit system that works collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact. Founded in 2009, the System consists of six distinct communities—The Chicago School, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, The Colleges of Law, Saybrook University, Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Western States. TCS utilizes strategic partnerships to foster economies of scale, academic innovation, risk mitigation, and resourceful business solutions to maximize students’ educational experiences. To learn more, visit www.tcsedsystem.edu.