Dr. Dana Bradley Appointed Dean of The Erickson School

Wed, 30 May 2018 14:29:15 -0400

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Dana Bradley as Dean of The Erickson School. Dr. Bradley will begin her new role in August 2018.

Dr. Bradley’s appointment brings to a successful conclusion a national search that began earlier this year. On behalf of the entire campus community, I would like to express my gratitude for the hard work and commitment of all members of the search committee, chaired by Dr. Antonio Moreira. The committee's wise counsel and thoughtful participation in the search process represents an outstanding contribution to the future of the School and to the advancement of our UMBC community.

Dr. Bradley will join UMBC from Western Kentucky University where she has been director of the Center for Gerontology since 2005. Dr. Bradley has also held several positions of increasing responsibility during her tenure with the university. Dr. Bradley brings with her extensive experience in gerontology and is widely known for her academic contributions, particularly in the area of education and policy studies. As director of the center, she was responsible for strategic initiatives related to education, research, and service and has led several state policy projects aimed at enhancing opportunities and services for aging citizens and their families. Dr. Bradley is a founding member of the Global Aging Research Network and was elected Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). She has received many prestigious regional and national awards, including being named a Gordon Streib Academic Gerontologist awardee by the Southern Gerontological Society and recognized with the Distinguished Faculty Award by the AGHE for her exemplary teaching.

As Dean of The Erickson School, Dr. Bradley will lead existing and new projects and initiatives that position the school as a national model for promoting developmental, strength-based models of service and care for elders through its integrative curricula, research collaborations, thought leadership, and community engagement. "Being invited to lead the Erickson School is a tremendous honor," says Dr. Bradley. "It is an amazing time to be in the field of aging and to build upon the extensive successes of the Erickson School. We are living in an era of increasing longevity which brings tremendous opportunities for our students, UMBC scholars, and our community. I look forward to increasing collaboration across our campus and communities to improve society for older adults and their families."

Dr. Bradley received her B.A. in biology and history from the University of Rochester and her M.S. and Ph.D. in applied history and public policy from Carnegie-Mellon University.

UMBC is very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Bradley’s impressive experience, abilities, and talent to serve as dean of The Erickson School. Please join me in welcoming and supporting Dr. Bradley as she transitions into her new role at UMBC.

Provost Philip Rous