Leanne Clark-Shirley '04 awarded the 2024 Cottrell Distinguished Alumni Award
Among those dedicated to understanding and improving the lives of older adults, Leanne Clark-Shirley stands out as an exemplary leader.
Leanne Clark-Shirley '04 awarded the 2024 Cottrell Distinguished Alumni Award
In an interview after receiving the 2024 W. Fred Cottrell Distinguished Alumni Award, Clark-Shirley reflected on her career in the field of aging and her gratitude to Scripps Gerontology Center. “Scripps supported me 21 years ago to attend the ASA (The American Society on Aging) conference, and now I'm president of ASA,” she said.
Nurturing Research Excellence
After Clark-Shirley completed her undergraduate degree with a double major in Psychology and Social Gerontology at ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, she stayed on to complete her master’s degree, although she had received an offer from a PhD program elsewhere. Clark-Shirley underscored the excellence of Miami’s faculty and the enriching environment they foster. “I really saw the unique value that the curriculum provided, especially around the intersection of policy and sociology,” she reflected.
During her tenure at Miami, Clark-Shirley engaged in applied research in gerontology. She collaborated on multiple impactful projects, such as supporting course development under the late Dr. Latona Murdoch and contributing to textbook chapters alongside esteemed professors Dr. Jennifer Kinney and the late Dr. Cary Kart. Her involvement in evaluations of aging-related demonstration projects gave her hands-on experience that emphasized the critical intersection between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Among these experiences was the opportunity to conduct phone interviews with program participants. “There's nothing like talking with a program participant to really bring everything that you learn in the classroom into crystal clear focus,” she said.
Clark-Shirley is also an advocate for participatory research design, where the people who run and experience a program are closely involved in developing the key questions to be explored. “I loved the qualitative course that I took with Dr. Groger. And so, when I was choosing a doctoral program, I picked a place that specialized in qualitative research design.”
Driven by her desire to make a tangible impact, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. There, her focus on qualitative research methodologies deepened, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in applied research.
Bridging Gerontology and Public Policy
Over time, Clark-Shirley's career trajectory expanded beyond traditional academic boundaries. In her role at IMPAQ International, a think-tank and policy research firm, she applied her expertise in qualitative and survey research to federal contracts, including with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Administration for Community Living. Through these projects, Leanne leveraged research to inform public policy and organizational strategy.
Leadership and Impact at ASA
Now as President & Chief Executive Officer at the American Society on Aging (ASA), Clark-Shirley continues to champion efforts in aging research, innovation and advocacy. Her role allows her to connect with diverse stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to address complex challenges facing older adults today.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Clark-Shirley remains steadfast in her dedication to tackling critical issues in aging—from healthcare disparities to climate resilience—with a focus on collaborative solutions. Her advice to aspiring researchers and professionals: “Anchor yourself in your expertise and methodological strengths; find passion in solving real-world problems.”
In honoring Leanne Clark-Shirley with the W. Fred Cottrell Distinguished Alumni Award, the Scripps Gerontology Center celebrates her exemplary leadership. As she continues to forge new paths in gerontology and applied research, her values, her vision and her journey serve as an inspiration for future generations in the field.
Previous Awardees