Kent Forney, J.D., received
his Doctor of Law from the
University of Iowa in 1958,
after serving in the U.S.
Army at Armored Center,
Fort Knox, Ky., from 1953-
1955. Mr. Forney is a senior
partner with the law firm
of Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, P.C., in Des Moines,
Iowa. He is the past president of several bar associations, a
Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an advocate
of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a member of the
International Society of Barristers and numerous other professional
organizations. He also has served as an adjunct professor
at Drake University Law School. In 2006, Mr. Forney was
elected to the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. He serves on the
board of directors of several insurance companies including
the NCMIC Group, the parent of NCMIC Insurance Company
and Professional Solutions Insurance Company. Mr. Forney
serves as secretary to the Palmer Board of Trustees, to which
he was appointed in 1982.
Tell us what strengths you bring to the Board?
It is always difficult to assess your own contributions to any
organization. In my view, that is a task best left to your peers.
Having said that, however, as a lawyer I have been involved in
the governance of several clients, which allows me to transfer
some of the lessons of business management to the College.
While Palmer’s mission is education, the execution of that
mission is dependent on sound financial planning and good
business practices.
What issues in the chiropractic profession or in
education concern you most?
The most significant problem facing the profession, and therefore
the College, is the utilization of chiropractic services by the
public. This under-utilization places artificial constraints on the
ability of the profession to grow and thereby directly impacts
Palmer and all other colleges.
What is your vision of the three campuses of
Palmer College in 25 years?
My vision for the future of Palmer is to continue to be the
leader in chiropractic education. To do this, the Board and the
administration have to constantly strive to not only improve
the current system, but to be open to new ideas and innovations
in education.
What are your favorite memories of your
time with Palmer?
My greatest enjoyment from service on the Board is the
association I have had with all the Board members, but
particularly with the chiropractors who serve on the Board.
Their dedication to their profession and to the College serves
as an example for all the lay members of the Board.