Assembly Resolution No. 1161

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

Honoring Dr. Kenneth Padgett, D.C. for his countless
contributions and decades of dedicated service to
the Finger Lakes region

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those remarkable individuals who spend their lifetime contributing
to the betterment of the communities throughout this great Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Kenneth Padgett, D.C. for his countless contributions and decades of
dedicated service to the Finger Lakes region; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kenneth Padgett has been an eseteemed resident of the
Finger Lakes region for over 70 years; and

WHEREAS, Throughout these past seven decades, Dr. Kenneth Padgett
has been a significant contributor to the fabric of life in the Finger
Lakes region; and

WHEREAS, While serving his Nation on active duty with the United
States Air Force, Dr. Kenneth Padgett held the rank of sergeant and was
stationed at the former Sampson Air Force Base in Romulus, New York; and

WHEREAS, During his time stationed in Romulus, New York, Dr. Kenneth
Padgett grew to love the Finger Lakes region and decided to make this
area his permanent home, anchoring his life and career in the Finger
Lakes region; and

WHEREAS, It was in the Finger Lakes region that Dr. Kenneth Padgett
built a wonderful life with his beloved wife, Mary Ann, and established
an active practice in chriopractic medicine, which would eventually lead
to him becoming a national figure in the field of chiropractic medicine;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kenneth Padgett is a distinguished leader in the
chiropractic profession with a career spanning more than five decades in
clinical practice, higher education, and professional service; he began
practicing chiropractic in 1959 and spent nearly 50 years in private
practice, building a reputation for excellence in patient care and
dedication to the profession; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the impact and success of his
professional career, in 1989, Dr. Kenneth Padgett became the third
president of the New York Chiropractic College, now known as the
Northeast College of Health Sciences; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Kenneth Padgett's tenure as president, the New
York Chiropractic College experienced a significant transformation, and
in 1991, he led the acquisition of the institution's current 286-acre
campus and oversaw its relocation from Long Island to Seneca Falls, New

York; he concluded his presidency in 2000 and continued his service as
Chancellor, providing long-standing leadership and guidance; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kenneth Padgett has long demonstrated exceptional
leadership across the chiropractic field; he served as president of the
Association of Chiropractic Colleges, the American Chiropractic
Association, the Association for Chiropractic History, and the New York
State Chiropractic Association, helping to shape the direction and
advancement of the profession at both state and national levels; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kenneth Padgett's contributions have been recognized
with numerous honors, including the American Chiropractic Association
Chiropractor of the Year award, the Paul M. Tullio Award for
Distinguished Service to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board's George Arvidson
Award for meritorious service; he has also received multiple American
Chiropractic Association Meritorious Service Awards to Humanity and
Chiropractic; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kenneth Padgett, now retired, serves as a member and
volunteer at the Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery -
Finger Lakes, which is located on the hallowed ground of the Sampson Air
Force base where he first came to the region as a young Air Force
trainee; despite his retirement, Dr. Kenneth Padgett still sees patients
on a part-time basis at Ryan Chiropractic; and

WHEREAS, While in retirement, Dr. Kenneth Padgett resides in Varick,
New York, during warmer months and spends the winter months enjoying the
sun and warm climate in Florida; on Monday, June 22, 2026, Dr. Kenneth
Padgett and his friends and family will celebrate his 97th birthday; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Kenneth Padgett, D.C. for his countless contributions and
decades of dedicated service to the Finger Lakes region; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Kenneth Padgett, D.C.