Logan University’s Board of Trustees has announced that Garrett Thompson, DC, PhD, will be the eighth president of the University. The announcement of the new president concludes a nationwide search that began in February of 2024 upon the news of the upcoming retirement of Clay McDonald, DC, MBA, JD.
Dr. Thompson currently serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs and chief academic officer at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. He will begin his term with Logan on March 1, 2025.
“The Presidential Search Committee received more than 70 applications for this position, which I believe is a testament to the quality and reputation of Logan University,” said Board Chair Donald S. Altman, DDS, DHSc, EdD. “We are confident Dr. Thompson is the right person to further Logan’s mission with the integrity, leadership and vision that Dr. McDonald has provided over the last 12 years, and we look forward to welcoming him to campus.”
Dr. Thompson brings more than 20 years of experience in academic leadership and administration in health sciences and chiropractic and has been recognized as a “Top 100 Leader in Education.” He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Reed College and his PhD in biochemistry from Loma Linda University.
While serving as an assistant professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), Dr. Thompson graduated magna cum laude with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He was called back to academia and served as the department chair, and later, as the director of student learning outcomes at SCUHS. In 2013, Dr. Thompson joined Sonoran University, where he has served in a variety of different roles.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Thompson has volunteered with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and the American Holistic Health Association. He most recently completed the Wharton Executive Education program for Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next president of Logan University,” said Dr. Thompson. “As a leading chiropractic and health sciences institution, Logan University has a proud legacy of excellence in education, research and patient care. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and working collaboratively with the university’s talented staff, faculty, students and alumni to advance our shared vision of enhancing human health and wellness. Together, we will drive innovation, expand our reach and make meaningful impact in the lives of our students and the communities we serve.”
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the new president-elect will be the chief executive and administrative officer of Logan University. The president-elect will provide leadership that promotes institutional growth and stability by working closely with the leadership team, the Board of Trustees and other external constituents, and will advance the University’s mission, reputation and standing locally, nationally and internationally.
“Logan University is gaining a devoted educator who will bring a deep understanding of higher education as well as a mission-driven commitment to our institution,” said Dr. McDonald, Logan University’s current president. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Thompson to Logan and look forward to supporting him in all ways possible as he begins this new chapter of his career.”
Dr. McDonald has served as the University’s seventh president for 12 years and will be retiring on February 28, 2025. The presidential inauguration for Dr. Thompson will take place in May 2025 on Logan’s campus.