The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — has chosen Scott A. Bass, PhD, of American University as the 2011 recipient of the Donald P. Kent Award.
This distinguished honor is given annually to a GSA member who best exemplifies the highest standards for professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. It was established in 1973 in memory of Donald P. Kent, PhD, for his outstanding leadership in translating research findings into practical use.
The award presentation will take place at GSA's 64th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 18 to 22 in Boston, MA. This conference is organized to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners who specialize in the study of the aging process. Visit www.geron.org/annualmeeting for further details.
Bass is the provost for American University, where, as the chief academic officer, he is responsible for setting the academic direction for the university. He provides leadership for six schools and colleges in addition to the University Library, Office of the Registrar, and the areas of enrollment, financial aid, institutional research and assessment, undergraduate studies, and graduate studies and research. He also holds the faculty appointment of professor of public administration and policy within the School of Public Affairs. Within higher education, he is actively involved on several national committees and boards related to graduate education, minority graduate education, and research policy. As a scholar, Bass has assisted in broadening professional perspectives on the capacity and potential of an aging society. He was instrumental in the creation of GSA's Theoretical Developments in Social Gerontology Paper Award.
Bass was previously vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he also held an academic appointment as distinguished professor of sociology and public policy. Prior to this, he served at the University of Massachusetts Boston for 17 years in a number of positions, including professor in the College of Public and Community Service, founding director of the Gerontology Institute, graduate program director of the doctoral program in gerontology, and founding chair of the Gerontology Center. At both of these institutions, Bass was the driving force behind the creation of doctoral programs in gerontology. Today they continue to attract and train promising students for careers in interdisciplinary research and advanced study. He has written or edited eight books and authored or co-authored 27 book chapters and 51 articles. In 1994, Bass earned a Fulbright Research Scholarship to Japan and was a visiting professor at Stanford University in 2004. He co-founded and serves on the editorial board of the journal Aging and Social Policy and has recently completed his service on the editorial board of Research on Aging. He also is a GSA fellow, which represents the Society's highest class of membership. Bass earned a combined doctorate in psychology and education from the University of Michigan, where he also received an MA in clinical psychology and a BA in psychology.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,400+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. GSA's structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, and an educational branch, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.