My Life Profile: Samuel Demons, Ph. D.

"Dr. D"- A Lasting Impression

After years of education, it’s difficult to distinguish which quarter you took what class and it’s even harder to remember who taught it. Through those years, there is usually one teacher you won’t forget. It’s the teacher you really learned from, the teacher you still think about from time to time, and perhaps even make an effort to visit. For many Life students, that teacher is Dr. Samuel Demons.

Twenty-six years ago, after a meeting with the former President of Life University, “Dr. D,” as the students affectionately call him, was hired to teach in the College of Chiropractic. Originally from South Georgia, he went to school at Morehouse College and earned his doctorate from Atlanta University.

As a former teacher of military interrogation techniques, he spent two years in Vietnam and retired after 21 years in the military.

“I remember when Dr. Demons made a student ‘drop and give him 50’ push-ups in my office in response to the student’s rude behavior,” giggled Sue Burger, divisional secretary for the Department of Basic Sciences. “He won’t tolerate disrespect.”

Currently, Dr. D is the division chair in the Division of Basic Sciences department. He teaches histology and osteology to students in the beginning quarters of the DC program.

“What’s cool about him is that he’s one of the first professors you have in the chiropractic program, so he helps set the mood for the rest of your experience at Life,” said Jeremy Craig, 10th quarter DC student. “He is one of my favorite professors.”

According to Dr. Demons, he had inspirational teachers as role models throughout his school years. In elementary, one of his school teachers was also his Sunday school teacher at church.

“She was very straightforward and I was able to see how she taught each Sunday was the way she lived every day of the week,” said Demons. “She practiced what she preached.”

Although he knew little about chiropractic when he first accepted the position at Life, one student presented him with a challenge he couldn’t refuse. According to Demons, a student intern at the clinic bet him that if he didn't enjoy his chiropractic adjustment, the student would buy him lunch for six months. The intern did a good job, and Demons remained his patient until he graduated.

In order to pass Dr. D’s class, students study daily and thoroughly. The hours of studying are not just to earn good grades on a quiz or an exam; they are a necessity to make it through each session. Dr. D’s classes are filled with dialogue and interaction to ensure that students fully understand the subject matter. Frequently, he calls on students to answer questions.

“If you don’t know the answer, you’d better come up with one,” said Kevin Moeschetz, first quarter DC student. “He requires everyone to bring in a picture of themselves with their name attached so he can memorize each name with the face. By the end of the first week, he’s already calling you by your first name. He’s awesome.”

Students in Dr. D’s classes understand the meaning of the words “cha ching.” If you arrive late to his class, those two words require you to pay $1. At the end of the quarter, the class spends the money, which is donated to charity, or used to host a party on the last day, and sometimes the money is sufficient for both.

“His class was tough, but he is a professor you’ll always remember,” said a 1985 DC graduate. “One year at a talent show, a student dressed up like him and did a hilarious parody. Dr. D was a good sport about it.”

Whether it’s in a lab or a lecture, Dr. D makes a lasting impression on all of his students. He commands respect and requires hard work, yet his overt laughter brings smiles to the faces of those around him. And you’ll never forget your first quarter at Life University when you had Dr. Samuel Demons.

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