From pioneering chiropractors and current students shaping the future to alumni making a difference in the world, Cleveland University-Kansas City loves to celebrate our close-knit community of lifelong colleagues and friends.
Cleveland University-Kansas City was founded in 1922 by Palmer graduates Dr. C. S. Cleveland Sr., Dr. Ruth R. Cleveland; and Dr. Perl B. Griffin – each one is respected for contributions to chiropractic. The original college enrolled three students in its first class, and graduated its first doctor of chiropractic in 1924.
In 1911, Dr. Tullius Ratledge established the Los Angeles branch of the Ratledge System of Chiropractic Schools and became the champion of chiropractic on the West Coast. In 1951, Dr. Ratledge transferred management of his Los Angeles college to colleague and fellow chiropractic activist, Dr. Carl S. Cleveland Sr. Ratledge College was rechartered in 1955 as Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles. In 2011, the Cleveland Los Angeles campus consolidated operations with the Cleveland Kansas City campus.
CUKC continues to be a nonprofit university led by a Cleveland, Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, the grandson of the founders. As the chiropractic profession moves into the 21st century, Cleveland continues to grow and develop in keeping with the vision of its pioneers.
1922 – Founded as Central College of Chiropractic
1924 – Renamed Cleveland Chiropractic College
1995 – Established Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Human Biology and Pre-Professional Health Science Program
2002 – Added Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Biological Sciences
2008 – Moved to a new, renovated 34-acre campus in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City
2010 – Added Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Health Education and Promotion degree (MSHEP)
2013 – Reaffirmation of Programmatic Accreditation by Council on Chiropractic Education
2015 – Reaffirmation of Institutional Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
2015 – Cleveland Chiropractic College transitioned to university status and became Cleveland University-Kansas City
2017 – Added Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Radiologic Technology
2019 – A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program awarded full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
2021 – Added the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Exercise Science
2022 – Added the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance
2022 – 100th anniversary
Below are profiles of various Cleveland University-Kansas City faculty and alumni featured in our #CUKCinsight blog series. Designed to be impactful, heartfelt, and inspiring, these videos and written interviews offer a personal glimpse into what makes CUKC outstanding, and what it’s like to be a Clevelander.
Dr. A. J. Hernandez – An Athlete Finds His Calling in Chiropractic
Dr. Jon Petrick – From Chronic Pain to Lifelong Community Involvement
Abigail Loudon – Radiography Career Picture-perfect for CUKC Alum
Dr. Khia Simmons – From a Dream Deferred to a Career Realized
Dr. Patrick Hammond – Putting Patients First
Dr. Abby Hanson – In Her Element
Dr. Sammy Somerhalder – A Highly Personal Connection to Chiropractic
Dr. Lynn McIntosh – Success at the Right Time
Dr. Sherri Hays – The Fascinating Journey of a Second-generation Chiropractor
Dr. Emily McLeod – Trading Human Practice for Animal Chiropractic
Dr. Breanna Bezona Rodriguez – A Journey to Destiny
Dr. Justin Grabouski – A Life By What We Give
Dr. Debra Robertson-Moore – Faculty Member Lives and Learns
Dr. Paul Barlett – A Lifetime of Motivation
