Center Information
About the Center for Gerontology
Established in 1977-78, the Center for Gerontology serves as the organizational unit and focal point for aging-related activities at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Center's primary mission is to foster and facilitate multidisciplinary research that enhances the quality of life of older adults. In support of this mission, the Center focuses primarily on three streams of coordinated research: Family Gerontology, Health and Aging, and Elder Rights.
The Center is the administrative unit for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology a university-approved program of graduate study and one of the first programs awarded the Program of Merit distinction by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. This meritorious designation verifies that this program is consistent with national practice and guidelines established by AGHE, assures the public of the quality of the program and its graduates, and clarifies for employers the knowledge and skills imparted to students who graduate with a Gerontology Graduate Certificate from Virginia Tech.
In support of the University's outreach mission, the Center serves as a research-based educational resource for academic departments across the university and for community agencies and organizations that concern themselves with research or services to the older population. The Center's faculty frequently provide technical assistance, written materials, and educational programs to agencies, organizations, and individuals in the Commonwealth.