Chris Skinner was a popular, athletic college student who was struggling with the direction of his life. Then, on Jun 10, 2000, a near-fatal car accident changed his life forever. After a night of drinking and partying with his fraternity brothers, Chris ended the party with a broken neck, spinal cord injury and in a coma. He woke up two weeks later as a quadriplegic.

Since then, Chris has had the opportunity to reevaluate his life and his priorities. Being in a situation where most people would give up, Chris returned to college, improved his grades substantially, and remained on the dean's list while earning his undergraduate degree in media studies and a graduate degree in community counseling at Radford University.

Determined to share the lessons he has learned from the traumatic events in his life, Chris speaks to college, high school, and middle school students, churches, civic groups, corporate events and organizations supporting the disabled community. His message of hope and determination is truly an inspiration to anyone who listens to what he has to say.

In addition to his speaking engagements, he consults with businesses and community groups on issues of accessibility for disabled persons and is an active participant in state assistive technology conferences. His letter to students is published in Radford University’s UNIV100 textbook.

Chris is an active member of a local church, works on campus with an outreach group, and is often a guest speaker for morning worship services. In spite of his busy schedule, he always finds time for an encouraging word for anyone in need.

Chris was also very fortunate to marry Suzie, a positive, supportive person who was his physical therapist during rehab. Together, they make their home in Radford, VA.

View Chris' resumé.

View presentations Chris has made.