Sherman College Celebrates Fourth European Graduating Class of The Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers

by Cheri Anderson-Hucks

Spartanburg, SC (03/25/2026) — Sherman College of Chiropractic proudly announces the graduation of the fourth European class of the Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers (ACP), marking another milestone in the program's continued international growth and influence.

This most recent ACP class, made up of twenty chiropractors from around the world, completed the year-long, 100-hour course of study through a series of immersive educational sessions held across Europe, including Eindhoven, Netherlands; London, England; Chalkida, Greece; Hamburg, Germany; and in the United States on the Sherman College campus (Boiling Springs, South Carolina) during the Lyceum event. The program culminated in the successful completion of required coursework, including a thesis and additional assignments focused on the foundational philosophy of chiropractic. The European class brought together a diverse cohort of chiropractors from the United States, England, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and Spain-reflecting the program's global reach and collaborative spirit.

"The growth of the ACP program internationally speaks to the enduring importance of chiropractic philosophy," said Dr. Jack Bourla, president of Sherman College. "Bringing together practitioners from different countries fosters meaningful dialogue, strengthens professional identity, and helps ensure that the principles of chiropractic continue to thrive across cultures and generations. This is a powerful example of Sherman College of Chiropractic actively advancing its mission to share chiropractic with the world."

Graduates of the 2026 European ACP Class include:

Founded in 2007 with its first class at Sherman College's campus, the ACP program has grown substantially, with past classes held in countries like Australia, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden, and various U.S. locations such as California, Chicago, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Texas. There is also ongoing interest in Argentina and Denver, Colorado.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of the ACP program is witnessing chiropractors from around the world come together to explore and refine their understanding of chiropractic philosophy," said William M. Decken, D.C., F.C.S.C., Sherman College professor of clinical sciences and chair of the philosophy department. "This shared commitment strengthens not only individual practices but the integrity and future of the profession worldwide."

The ACP curriculum centers on the history, principles, objectives, and major tenets of chiropractic, offering a deeper understanding of the profession's philosophical foundation. The program attracts both chiropractors who did not receive formal philosophical training during their education and those seeking to revisit and deepen their understanding after years in practice. The Academy is committed to helping candidates become the writers, thinkers and speakers they desire to be, and that the profession needs.

The scholarly program challenges and inspires candidates to learn about and reflect on chiropractic philosophy and its relationship to the above-down-inside-out worldview. Throughout the program, candidates:

One of the guiding visions of Dr. Thom Gelardi, founder and the first president of Sherman College of Chiropractic, has been to see chiropractic philosophy taught worldwide. The continued expansion of the ACP program plays a key role in realizing that vision. Partnerships with organizations such as The European Chiropractic Academy and The Chiropraktik Campus, which provided venues for course sessions, further demonstrate the strength of international collaboration within the profession.

For more information about enrolling in upcoming ACP programs in Argentina or Denver, Colorado, please contact Cameron Ranslow, Sherman College's director of academic affairs, at cranslow@sherman.edu.

About Sherman College of Chiropractic. Sherman College of Chiropractic provides students with a comprehensive chiropractic education, preparing them to enter the field as Doctors of Chiropractic who are highly skilled, compassionate, ethical, and successful. On an 80-acre campus in South Carolina, Sherman offers a professional degree program unique in its approach and known globally for the skill and art of chiropractic delivered by graduates. The college's Chiropractic Center provides high-quality, value-rich chiropractic care for families at every stage of life. The center is a teaching clinic for chiropractic interns in their final stage of study before graduating from the college's doctor of chiropractic program. Coordinated by licensed doctors of chiropractic, the teaching environment enables interns to practice chiropractic under close supervision and ongoing consultation. For more information, visit www.sherman.edu or call 800-849-8771.

Media Attachments

Graduates of the Sherman College of Chiropractic Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers, 2026 European class, pose with Sherman College faculty, Dr. William M. Decken, professor of clinical sciences, and chair of the philosophy department, and Dr. Alan Brewster, director of the Sherman Center for Research and Scholarly Activity, and associate professor of clinical sciences.