History

Twenty-Five years ago, the National Institute on Aging recognized ULM's excellence in aging by awarding the University funds to develop the first Center on Aging (later called the Institute of Gerontology) in Louisiana. Since 1978, the Institute of Gerontology has been preparing individuals for leadership roles in the field of aging through academics, training, service, and research. The Gerontology Program is involved in meeting the challenges and accomplishments of individuals in their later years. Since that time, ULM Gerontology has led the state in offering and developing coursework in Gerontology. We have the distinction of being the only university in Louisiana to offer the M.A. Degree in Gerontology, the first to offer the Certificate in Gerontology, as well as being continuously recognized by the Louisiana Board of Regents for Higher Education as a "Unique Area of Excellence".

Mission

The Institute Gerontology, founded in 1978, and the Department of Gerontology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe comprise one of this regions leading centers for the academic study of social and behavioral gerontology. The Institute of Gerontology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe has as its core mission Research, Training and Service:

• To conduct social, economic and behavioral Research on aging
• To prepare graduates and professional for leadership roles in the field of aging through academics and Training
• To work with the public through community Service to advocate on behalf of older people and to expand opportunities for older people to make productive contributions in aging services