Kathleen O'Rourke

Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke serves as Professor and M.A. in Aging Studies Graduate Program Coordinator at Eastern Illinois University within the Department of Human Services and Community Leadership. A faculty member since 2001, she concurrently contributes to the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program and maintains active board roles including Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service (SACIS).

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Family Studies (Gerontology specialization), University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1999)
• M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, Eastern Illinois University (1995)
• B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, Eastern Illinois University (1994)

Research centers on gerontological innovation and family dynamics, with signature work in dementia-care intergenerational programming, media portrayal of aging, sexual assault support systems, and smart-home assistive technology. Her methodology integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to address societal challenges across the lifespan.

Publication analysis reveals consistent interdisciplinary scholarship spanning nutritional science, consumer economics, and educational pedagogy since 1995, demonstrating evolving focus from child development to contemporary aging solutions while maintaining family systems perspectives.

Recipient of six consecutive Achievement and Contribution Awards for Service (2006-2016), recognizing sustained professional impact.

• Achievement and Contribution Award for Service (2016)
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Service (2014)
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Service (2012)
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Service (2010)
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Service (2008)
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Service (2006)

Professional engagement includes board memberships with Kappa Omicron Nu and American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Alliance, alongside extensive organizational affiliations spanning gerontology, family relations, and consumer sciences. She teaches core courses including Aging and the Family (FCS 4846) and Research Methods (FCS 5900), with prior grant-writing experience evident from hospital-based program development.

Community partnerships drive her applied research, particularly through dementia-care intergenerational initiatives and SACIS collaborations addressing sexual violence support systems.