Atlanta, Georgia – January 13, 2026- This afternoon, Life University (Life U) joined esteemed representatives from fellow independent Georgia colleges for a special Georgia Independent College Association (GICA) Day at the Capitol, held from 8:00 a.m. to Noon in the South Wing of the Georgia State Capitol. This exciting open house event brought together admissions teams, mascots and alumni to spotlight the value and impact of Georgia’s independent colleges as the 2026 legislative session gets underway. Life U showed up in style with the Life U Cheer Team, LUAA members, mascot Doc and other key leaders demonstrating school spirit and Lasting Purpose.
“GICA Day at the Capitol was a great opportunity to strengthen Life University’s relationships with Georgia senators and representatives who directly influence legislation affecting Life U’s interests,” said Life U Chief Marketing Officer Lori Beard.” We were able to connect with two alumnae, Drs. Karen Matthiak and Anissa Jones, who currently serve in the Georgia House of Representatives. They are wonderful advocates for Life U and went out of their way to acknowledge Life U from the House floor.”
In particular, we at Life U wanted to personally thank legislators for approving the historic $10 million increase in funding for the HOPE Private Scholarship. This funding directly benefits many of our students who chose Life University to pursue a life with purpose. We are truly grateful for the generous public service and support of the Georgia General Assembly.
“We appreciate the work of GICA in advocating for us and our fellow member institutions and the work of the state representatives,” Life U Vice President of Affairs Dr. Lee Skinkle added.
It is an honor to continue to publicly advocate for a growing independent Georgia collegiate system, empowering students to pursue higher education in a manner that best suits their personal and professionals goals.
Founded in 1974, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its College of Chiropractic. Undergraduates can pursue 12 undergraduate degrees; a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway; and three graduate degrees within the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education.
Life University strives to empower our students to succeed both professionally and personally. At Life U, we innovate our approach to higher education, while also remaining true to our philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, LIFE recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official Life University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.
Life U’s 110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, just northwest of Atlanta, is home to more than 2,400 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 60 countries.
For more information about Life University, please visit life.edu.
For more information about the work of the GICA, visit Georgiacolleges.org.
About Life University
Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.
Social Media