Every year, on September 12, Parker University is honored to celebrate its founder, Dr. Jim Parker, and his birthday. Parker University is what it is today, a large educational organization rooted in Dr. Parker’s philosophy of service to others because of his unique commitment to academic success.
Dr. Parker was born in Snyder, Texas, on September 12, 1920, and sadly, suffered from chronic illnesses throughout his childhood. Dr. Parker’s health miraculously improved after starting innovative chiropractic treatments for his ailments. This led him to dream of becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and developed his desire to share his story of healing to inspire others.
While he was a student at Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Parker established two chiropractic clinics in Illinois. He moved to Fort Worth in 1947 and opened 18 clinics in Texas. In 1951, Dr. Parker started the Parker Chiropractic Resource Foundation (PCRF), with seminars worldwide taught through his Parker School for Professional Success (PSPS). In 1971, he created Share International, the world’s largest supplier of chiropractic products. From 1963 to 1970, Dr. Parker impacted more than 500,000 DCs with his seminars.
In September 1982, Dr. Parker opened Parker College of Chiropractic in Irving. The college began as an extension of his Parker Seminars program, and he served as president of the college until 1996. Throughout his professional career, he served as president of Parker College of Chiropractic, on the Parker Chiropractic Resource Foundation, and through Share International.
Parker University proudly celebrates its founder and everything he created for future generations. Happy birthday, Dr. Parker. Your timeless legacy lives on at Parker University and through students who go on to provide chiropractic care to so many.
About Parker University
Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker (formerly Parker College of Chiropractic). Today, Parker University has more than 2,100 students and more than 35 academic programs, including its famed chiropractic program, as well as master’s degrees in clinical neuroscience, strength and human performance, and functional nutrition. Currently, Parker University’s chiropractic cohort is the second largest of any campus in the world. Parker University has been recognized as a Great College to Work For®, one of the 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges in the U.S., and as a recipient of the FutureEdge 50 Awards.
