Oscar Kaplan

Oscar Kaplan was a renowned Professor and pivotal figure in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University (SDSU), where he served as department chair twice (1950–1952 and 1963–1966). He was instrumental in shaping the department into a research-oriented institution, emphasizing scholarly excellence alongside teaching. A leading gerontologist, Kaplan’s work established aging as a critical discipline and influenced national policies through his role as Special Consultant in Gerontology to the U.S. Surgeon General. His efforts transformed SDSU’s Psychology Department into one of the largest and most productive programs in the U.S., with NIH-funded research and a top-ranked clinical psychology doctoral program.

Education: Ph.D. in Psychology (exact institution not specified in texts, but noted as having a PhD at SDSU appointment).

Research focused on aging, mental/physical health across adulthood, and developmental science. His legacy is perpetuated via the Oscar Kaplan Postdoctoral Fellowship, supporting early-career researchers in adult developmental science. The fellowship emphasizes independent research, grant acquisition, and mentorship, aligning with Kaplan’s vision for academic rigor. His hiring strategies in the 1960s cemented the department’s commitment to research, fostering a culture that persists today.

Labs/Teams: His influence underpins SDSU’s research infrastructure, including NIH-funded labs and collaborations with UC San Diego’s Psychiatry Department. The Kaplan Fellowship now serves as a cornerstone for training future academic leaders.