Our Origin

In response to the “graying of America,” the College of Education and Health Professions (in collaboration with the Graduate School) established the Office for Studies on Aging (OSA) in the Fall of 1999. 

Our Mission

• Provide advocacy for policies and practices enhancing quality of life across the lifespan

• Facilitate better community interface between university and community in addressing the needs of older adults

• Promote interdisciplinary research

• Support interdisciplinary education in gerontology on the University of Arkansas campus

• Create outreach opportunities for service to an aging population 

Who We Are:

The Co-Directors of the Office for Studies on Aging are: 
Dr. Ro DiBrezzo, Professor, Kinesiology 
Dr. Barbara B. Shadden, Professor, Communication Disorders 

OSA Staff: From left, Barbara B. Shadden,
Ro DiBrezzo and Melissa Powers (former OSA graduate assistant)

Current Initiatives

• Coordination of Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology

• Investigation of health/stress status of employed caregivers

• Implementation of Project Push - Project Urging Senior Health - Council on Aging Senior Centers (funded by Community Care Foundation)

• Investigation of correlations between bone density and aging

• Exploration of impact of age stereotypes on communication style

• Provision of educational programs on topics related to productive aging

• Collaboration with Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education - Elder Life College