Here at Centenary University, it’s not uncommon for alumni to come back and give back, but few bring as unique a blend of skills as Dr. Michael Lalama. 

Once a biology student here, Dr. Lalama now teaches the same subject he studied, having returned to Centenary as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Health Science. His journey, however, wasn’t a straightforward leap from student to professor; it was a winding path that took him from art therapy to biology, and eventually, chiropractic care.

As a commuter student during his Centenary years (2015-2018), Dr. Lalama remembers hanging out on campus between classes in Trevorrow Hall, mostly near the Ferry Building or the quad. He also recalls a few off-campus adventures, too, especially during his senior year, mentioning Hackettstown’s own Czig Meister Brewery. “We even went on a field trip there,” he laughs. Back then, the local scene was more about decompressing than studying; as a commuter, he’d usually head back to Budd Lake, NJ, about a 15-minute drive from campus, to unwind.

Dr. Lalama’s academic journey wasn’t typical. Originally an art therapy major at Marywood University with a focus on painting, he discovered a love for anatomy after taking a required course and decided to switch gears.

“I actually started as an art therapy major and was looking into music therapy,” he said. An anatomy class changed everything. “Once I took anatomy, I thought, ‘This is cool.’ I switched majors to biology.” 

Wanting a change, he followed his curiosity for the sciences, which eventually led him back home to New Jersey for Centenary’s biology program. From there, he dabbled in multiple fields—at one point even studying Emergency Medical Technical (EMT) work in the evenings—before eventually finding his calling in chiropractic care, inspired in part by his sister, who practices acupuncture.

His career took him to Dallas, Texas, for chiropractic school. After a stint working in the Lone Star State, he returned home to New Jersey and opened his own practice, Functional Chiropractic, in his old stomping grounds of Budd Lake on Old Wolfe Road.

Now, back at Centenary, Dr. Lalama teaches students in the same classrooms where he once sat, from a position he finds both challenging and inspiring.

“I always thought I wanted to teach at the university level, even back when I was an art major,” he reflects. 

Today, he teaches a variety of science courses to students eager to explore the subject. Teaching, he says, keeps him sharp and lets him think about his field from fresh perspectives. 

“I’ll ask students questions expecting a particular answer, but, then, they’ll say something unexpected that makes me see things differently,” he says with a smile.

When asked if he had any advice for his younger self at Centenary, Dr. Lalama shared his perspective on life and learning.

“Don’t underestimate certain programs or paths,” he says. “I thought chiropractic school would be easy—just another step. But it really changed my perspective and showed me how much there is to learn in every field.” 

He also wishes he’d spent more time absorbing his coursework instead of cramming, a habit he’s quick to advise students against.

So, what’s one thing students might not guess about Dr. Lalama? For one, he’s a musician who plays drums, guitar, and saxophone. He’s also dabbled in bread-making, cider and beer brewing, and has experience working with high school music ensembles.

As both a professor and practitioner, Dr. Lalama believes in putting in the effort today to make tomorrow easier, a philosophy he hopes to pass on to his students. His dedication to helping others—whether in the classroom or at his chiropractic office—shows his commitment to making an impact. Centenary students can feel fortunate to have him as both a mentor and a guide.