Kathy Black

Dr. Kathy Black is a Professor and Affiliate Professor of Aging Studies at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus, affiliated with the College of Public Health. She holds a Ph.D. from the State University of Albany and multiple master’s degrees from prestigious institutions. Her research focuses on Age-Friendly Communities, Aging in Place, Environmental Gerontology, and Advance Care Planning. Dr. Black has extensive experience as a practitioner, educator, and researcher in aging-related fields, with over 40 years of involvement in geriatric social work, nursing, and policy.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Aging Studies, M.P.H. from UCLA, and dual M.S.W. and M.S.G. degrees from USC, alongside a B.S. from SUNY and a Nursing Diploma. She has been Principal Investigator on numerous grants, including the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Training Program and Age-Friendly Sarasota initiatives funded by organizations like The Patterson Foundation.

Dr. Black’s research emphasizes community-based interventions, health equity, and intergenerational programs. Her work has led to over 50 peer-reviewed publications in journals like The Gerontologist and Journal of Applied Gerontology. She serves on editorial boards for aging-focused journals and has received awards such as the USF System-wide Faculty Outstanding Research Achievement Award and recognition as a Next Avenue Top 50 National Influencer in Aging.

• Key Projects: Alzheimer’s Disease Training Program (2003–present), Age-Friendly Sarasota (2015–2018), Enhancing Dignity and Independence in Aging (2010–2011).
• Grants: Florida Department of Elder Affairs, AARP Florida, The Patterson Foundation.
• Teaching: Courses include Aging & Social Policy, Clinical Research I, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment.

Her contributions extend to policy advocacy, editorial roles, and global initiatives like the WHO Healthy Ageing Leadership Program. Dr. Black’s work bridges academia, practice, and policy to advance equitable aging outcomes.