Rosemary Blieszner, the Alumni Distinguished Professor of Human Development, associate dean of the Graduate School, and associate director of the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, was recently installed as the 70th president of the Gerontological Society of America. The society, established in 1945, has more than 5,500 researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals as members.
“GSA members conduct important research, teach about aging, provide services to older people and their families, and advocate for older adults in many arenas,” Dr. Blieszner said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to help cultivate productive new connections among GSA members and between GSA and other groups working to improve the quality of life in old age.”
Professor Blieszner holds a Ph.D. in human development-family studies from Pennsylvania State University. From 2008 to 2011, she was editor in chief of The Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences.