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Mission Statement

The mission of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is to promote healthy aging for diverse individuals, communities, and societies through leadership and innovation in research, education, and practice.

This mission is carried out by a faculty that is highly interdisciplinary, approaching aging from diverse areas such as neurobiology, molecular biology, biodemography, cognitive psychology, sociology, urban planning, and health services research. This expertise has earned the USC Leonard Davis School an international reputation for its strengths in basic biological, social-behavioral, and policy science. It also has a long history of applied research designed to systematically test program effectiveness. Cross-disciplinary applied and translational research is conducted in a number of areas related to aging, including family studies, housing, long-term services and supports, fall prevention, elder abuse prevention, caregiving, and technology and aging.

In addition, the school serves as a focal point for faculty and students from throughout the university to collaborate on basic and applied research in aging fostering partnerships through collaborative centers and institutes, joint appointments, and dual degrees. With the USC Leonard Davis School as the hub of aging research, and with additional strong programs throughout the university, USC is leading the way in defining the field of gerontology. Transdisciplinary relationships within the school and with colleagues throughout the University will take USC Leonard Davis research to the next level and more firmly establish USC as the world leader.

How Diversity Fits within our Mission

Diversity is an integral component across research, practice, and education within the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Our faculty conduct innovative research aimed at understanding and bridging ethnic disparities among older adults in health and wellness, quality of life, longevity, and other factors related to quality of life. Our Family Caregiver Support Center serves the neighboring ethnically diverse community of USC. Our courses integrate issues of diversity where possible. We aim to further weave diversity, equity and inclusion throughout all aspects of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Strategic Plan and Progress on Diversity Goals

Call for Submissions | Gerontology DEI Research Guide

In order to highlight resources and content related to historically marginalized or underrepresented groups at the intersection of aging, longevity, and healthspan, the Leonard Davis School’s DEI Committee has created the Leonard Davis School DEI Committee & Library Resources Research Guide. We invite the USC community to contribute short form original content (blog, video, slideshow, etc.), which will be used as a banner/introduction to themes surrounding historically underrepresented groups and communities.

Submissions should highlight aging and the following identities:

  • Black and African American
  • Asian, Pacific Islander, and Asian American
  • Indigenous / Native American
  • Latino/a/e and Hispanic
  • LGBTQ+
  • Immigrants and Migrants
  • Neurodiversity
  • Disability
Learn more

Courses that Highlight Diversity in the Aging Process

  • GERO 330: Society and Adult Development
    How social relationships affect adults of different ages; the changing contract across generations; interaction of culture, race, family and social values with adult development.
  • GERO 380m: Diversity in Aging 
    Exploring diversity in the older population and variability in the human aging process.
  • GERO 435m: Women and Aging: Psychological, Social, and Political Implications
    Problems and resources of the middle-aged and older woman in a changing society; including discrimination, stereotypes, employment, social interaction, etc.

Share your Thoughts

Do you have any comments, concerns or suggestions regarding DEI at the USC Leonard Davis School? If so, please fill out this form. Entries can be anonymous. However, if you want us to follow up with you about a specific concern, please leave your name and email address and/or follow up with the appropriate office listed on the Diversity Resources section of this site.

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