Alan Taylor

Dr. Alan Taylor is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science within the College of Health and Human Performance at East Carolina University. He holds a B.S. in Family Sciences from Brigham Young University and has built an extensive career in family science research and education spanning multiple decades.

His professional affiliations include active membership in the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), where he served as Chair of the Family & Community Education Section from 2019-2024 (transitioning to Past Chair in 2024), Gerontological Society of America (1994-2014), and Family Sciences Association (1997-2013). He has held numerous leadership positions including NCFR Annual Conference Program Planning Committee member (2024) and participant in a Special Task Force for redesigning NCFR's conference proposal submission process (February-March 2025).

Dr. Taylor's research focuses on family life education across diverse contexts, with particular emphasis on intergenerational relationships (especially grandfather-grandchild dynamics), cultural competence in family education, online dating behaviors, and health education related to issues like osteoporosis awareness among men. His scholarly output demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach bridging family science, gerontology, health education, and cultural studies.

His recent publications (2014-2022) show consistent contributions to understanding family life education with immigrant populations, variations in grandfathering styles, online dating behaviors, and international perspectives on family education. These works reflect his commitment to addressing contemporary family issues through rigorous research and practical application.

Notable Awards:

• 2021-2022 Scholar-Teacher Award from College of Health and Human Performance - East Carolina University
• 2021 Cognella Innovation in Teaching Award in Family Science
• 2021 Joyner Library's Annual Academic Affairs Faculty Book Award
• 2019 HDFS Global Education Award
• 2018 HDFS Administration Award

Dr. Taylor is an active mentor who has developed frameworks like TVCL (Think Value Communicate Lead) for developing family professionals. His current research includes the COMPASS project (2022-2025) focused on supporting student parents and the LEADER project examining cultural competence in family services. He maintains strong connections with the professional community through active participation in the National Council on Family Relations and has served in numerous leadership roles including as Chair of the Family & Community Education Section and on various grant selection committees.