Featured News

Every day VCU Gerontology and College of Health Professions students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements and Department news here.

Community Gerontology: Creating Change Where You Are

Gerontology isn’t a single job. It’s a lens that makes you indispensable in fields that are all being reshaped by shifting demographics. This is because older adults are the fastest-growing population in our communities globally. From state and local agencies, to nonprofits and private industry, you can find gerontologists working to build thriving communities across the world that are leading the way with creative, effective, and impactful programs and services.

VCoA awarded new ACL Grant: Greater Richmond Elder Justice Shelter

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has awarded $2.8 million in funding through its Elder Justice Innovation Grants Program. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and well-being of older adults by increasing the availability of emergency and transitional housing and supportive services for older adults, including those with disabilities, who experience abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. The Virginia Center on Aging is one of the six grantees chosen for its significant contribution to addressing issues related to the well-being and safety of older adults. The funding will empower the Center to develop new strategies and resources that will help combat elder abuse and improve the lives of older adults.

Gerontology and Virginia Center on Aging colleagues co-author new publication

Kimberly Ivey, Leland "Bert" Waters, and Sarah A. Marrs recently published Don't Treat Us Like Fragile Babies: Mentors' Perspectives of an Intergenerational Mentoring Program for Medical Students in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships.  In the article, the research shows the importance of reciprocal relationships in addressing ageism in health care. This research builds off of previous studies involving older adults mentoring medical students. 

Minding the Gap: VCU Richmond Brain Health Initiative

The Richmond Brain Health Institute (RBHI) provides dementia-related screening, education, coaching, referrals for support and monitoring, and research opportunities in Richmond. RBHI particularly targets areas of low-income, largely Black and African American communities that are disproportionately affected by long-standing economic and social conditions that leave residents without adequate health care options.

Jennifer Pryor Selected as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Virginia for 2023

Jennifer Pryor was selected as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Virginia for 2023. She is the Graduate Program Director for the Department of Gerontology at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also serves as the Co-Director for the NAB-accredited assisted living administration specialty area within the Master of Science in Gerontology program where she is an instructor, advisor, and supervisor to students who are in pursuit of their license as an assisted living administrator. At the undergraduate level, Jennifer serves as the Director of Service Learning for the Bachelor of Science in Health Services program in the College of Health Professions where she also teaches and works with students to develop their skills in healthcare management. Finally, at the national level, Jennifer serves as the Vice Chair of the Education Committee with the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). To support her work in all of these roles, Jennifer maintains a valid Virginia License in Assisted Living Administration.

Learn more about VCU Gerontology

VCU’s Department of Gerontology in the College of Health Professions was founded in 1976 and remains the only MS in Gerontology in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our mission to promote optimal aging for individuals and communities is evident through our

Rachel Ramirez featured in podcast on impact of lifelong learning

Rachel Ramirez, executive director of the Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield, recently took part in a podcast for "Chesterfield Behind the Mic." Here, she talks about the mission and work of the non-profit, the way it serves residents, and why it’s so important for us to continue to find ways to learn. 

Inker receives Gold Award and Gendron receives Bronze Award

Jenny Inker, assistant professor and co-director for Assisted Living Administration and Tracey Gendron, chair and associate professor in the Department of Gerontology, recently were honored with Innovative Research on Aging Awards. The awards recognize excellent applied research that offers important implications for the senior living industry.