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David A. Peterson Fellowships
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David A. Peterson, Ph.D.
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David A. Peterson Fellowships in Aging

David A. Peterson, Ph.D.: A Legacy in Gerontology Education

Dr. David A. Peterson is the former Director of the Davis School of Gerontology and the current holder of the Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Education and Aging. Across his career spanning over 35 years in gerontology, Dr. Peterson has been a national leader in establishing educational programs in gerontology.

Dr. Peterson received his B.A. from Albion College, an M.A. from Western Michigan University, and his Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Michigan. From 1972 to 1978, he was director of the Gerontology Program at the University of Nebraska – Omaha. In 1978, he was appointed as Director of the Davis School of Gerontology at USC, a position he held until 2000. During his tenure at USC, Dr. Peterson also served as Associate Dean of the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center (1985-2000), and as a professor in the School of Education from 1986 to 2000.

During his career, Dr. Peterson has published seven books and over 30 journal articles related to careers in aging, and served as consultant to 25 colleges and universities in establishing gerontology programs. He has served as president (1984-1985) of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), and as president of the California Council for Gerontology and Geriatrics (1989-1991). In 1991, Dr. Peterson received the Clark Tibbits Award for outstanding contributions to the field of aging from AGHE, and in 2001, was the first recipient of the Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Training and Education in Aging, given annually by the American Society on Aging.

A valued friend and respected mentor of hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and professionals in aging, Dr. Peterson has an unequaled legacy in gerontology education. The David A. Peterson Fellowships have been established to honor this legacy.
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