Alumni Update: Where are they now?
Name: Mich Magness
Degree(s) Received: Online Master of Arts in Gerontology
Year of Graduation: 2001
Job title: Coordinator for Aging and Long-Term Care
Company: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Location (city and state): Oklahoma City, OK
Please briefly describe your position and your company:
I work for a state agency. I advise the department of mental health about the special needs of older adults, particularly areas of mental wellness and addiction. I represent departments throughout the aging network. I also advocate for attention to be paid to mental illness and substance abuse issues within the Oklahoma aging network. I supervise Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) for the state of Oklahoma, screenings for persons with mental illness entering nursing homes guaranteeing appropriate placement.
Why did you choose to study gerontology at the USC Davis School?
USC’s reputation as a leader in gerontology had always impressed me since my undergraduate days at Baylor University. At the time, I was unable to attend a master’s program because of a full and busy schedule, which included a wife, children, a farm and full-time employment. The brand new USC online program fit perfectly into my life and work schedules and allowed me to fulfill my educational objectives.
How did you learn about your current position? Was it through an internship, a previous job, or a connection through USC?
Oklahoma is a relatively small state. Everyone knows one-another in the aging network. I was known through my work with elder care in a statewide case management program and a number of people from the aging network called me to let me know about this position when it became available. I have regular contact with the Fall Prevention Center of Assistant Dean, Maria Henke, who was instrumental in my attending the USC online program. I also have a colleague, Laurie Moor, who we discovered were both USC grads over dinner one evening.
Please briefly describe how the USC Davis School’s curriculum helped prepare you for your current position.
Some of the information I learned in psychology of aging is very useful to me working in the field of mental health and substance abuse. I think that my degree from USC has also helped to establish me as a serious gerontologist networking with other policy makers on a national level.
What advice would you offer to a prospective student interested in studying gerontology at USC?
To understand that the field of aging is a big tent with lots of players involved. As a gerontologist, you will carve your own niche wherever you work or are employed. Not enough jobs will say gerontologist in the requirements for employment and yet your knowledge of aging will allow you to competently advise wherever you’re employed.
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