Director's Welcome

Welcome to the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy!

We are a multidisciplinary group of scholars who are engaged in research and other creative activities related to aging, health, and the formation of public policy. Currently, our faculty associates span three colleges and numerous academic disciplines: economics, geriatrics, political science, psychology, public health, and sociology. In addition, we are networked with many more departments and disciplines through our faculty affiliates.

The Pepper Institute pursues its research mission in a variety of ways. Each year we bring in nationally recognized experts to give talks or participate in symposia on critical issues related to the well-being of Older Americans. The Pepper Institute also administers 1-2 dissertation fellowships each year, which are made possible due to funding provided by the Claude Pepper Foundation. The Institute also provides research support to its Associates in various forms. Lastly, some members of the Pepper Institute collaborate with research projects in other FSU research centers, such as the Center for Demography and Public Health and the Claude Pepper Center. These activities enrich the intellectual environment and contribute to the scholarly work of the Institute's Associates.

Another important activity at the Pepper Institute is its sponsorship/hosting of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at FSU. OLLI offers courses and workshops for older adults in the community, and has a growing membership and curriculum. The Director and Program Coordinator of OLLI have offices in the Pepper Center Building. Many OLLI classes are taught by FSU faculty, and many of the courses are held in the Broad Auditorium in the Pepper Center Building.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the Institute, if you would like information on becoming an affiliate or associate, if you know someone who might be interested in the latest OLLI offerings, or if you are seeking someone at Florida State University with expertise on research related to aging, health, and public policy.

John Reynolds
Director and Eagles Professor of Sociology