Dr. Don Cross Pathway to Leadership Award
Empowering the Next Generation
The Dr. Don Cross Pathway to Leadership Award was established by ChiroCongress Cares to honor Dr. Don Cross’s more than 30 years of service to the chiropractic profession. This honor reflects his leadership as Student Body President & Class President at Logan University, as well as President of ChiroCongress Cares, Past President of ChiroCongress, and Past President of the Florida Chiropractic Association. This award provides a $1,000 travel stipend to a chiropractic student who embodies the leadership, service, and commitment to state associations that have defined Dr. Cross’s career.
The award supports chiropractic students in their final year of study by covering the cost of hotel and travel to attend the ChiroCongress Annual Convention, where they will engage directly with leaders across the profession
About the Award
- $1,000 travel stipend to cover hotel and travel expenses
- Award will be presented in person at the ChiroCongress Annual Convention
- Recipient will receive a complementary convention registration fee courtesy of ChiroCongress
- The number of awards given will be determined annually by the board of directors
What the Recipient Experiences:
Recipients will attend the ChiroCongress Annual Convention and will:
- Participate in all convention sessions and activities open to Doctors of Chiropractic
- Network with leaders from over 30 chiropractic state associations, including board members, CEOs, and executive directors
- Connect with leaders from many national chiropractic organizations in attendance
- Be formally recognized as a Dr. Don Cross Pathway to Leadership Award recipient
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Dr. Don Cross Pathway to Leadership Award, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a full-time student enrolled in a Doctor of Chiropractic program at an accredited chiropractic college or university in the United States
- Be in their final year of chiropractic education, enrolled during the calendar year of the award
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
- Demonstrate involvement in student leadership (e.g., student government, class leadership, club or organization leadership)
- Be currently involved with, or intend to become involved with, their state chiropractic association (self-attested essay response)
- Not be a family member of an employee or officer of ChiroCongress or ChiroCongress Cares
Application Process
Interested students will complete an online application modeled on ChiroCongress Cares’ existing scholarship application process. The application will ask applicants to share information about their academic standing, leadership experience, and involvement with, or interest in, their state chiropractic association. Applicants must also provide a professional letter of support.
Applications will be reviewed and recipients selected by the ChiroCongress Cares Board of Directors.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | August 2026 |
| Application Closes | September 10, 2026 |
| Recipient(s) Selected | September 2026 |
| Recipient(s) Attend Convention | November 2026 — Louisville, KY |
About Dr. Cross
Dr. Don Cross has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing the chiropractic profession. He currently serves as President of ChiroCongress Cares and is a Past President of ChiroCongress, as well as a Past President of the Florida Chiropractic Association. Dr. Cross is also an official Kentucky Colonel, an honorary title recognizing outstanding service and accomplishment. His enduring commitment to state association leadership and mentorship of emerging leaders inspired the creation of this award.