2022-2023 Sigler Aging Scholars Announced

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is pleased to announce the Sigler Aging Scholars Program has selected three students as the 2022-2023 Sigler Aging Scholars.

The Sigler Aging Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of leaders in the field of gerontological social work by offering an innovative, individualized, and community-engaged learning opportunity to KU Social Welfare students. Selected Scholars demonstrate a passion for serving older adults through multi-level gerontology practice, policy, and research.

The goal of the Sigler Aging Scholars Program is to not only serve but also lead, in the field of gerontology. With the need for aging-focused social workers falling far below the projected need, the Program provides students interested in helping older adults mentorship and learning opportunities tailored to their interests and the needs of the field.

“The Sigler Aging Scholars Program is so important to helping raise awareness for an underserved area of practice,” says Program Director, Dr. Sarah Jen. “By creating the next generation of gerontology social workers, we can continue to support a growing population in desperate need of skilled individuals.”

As a part of the Program, students are given a mentorship with Dr. Sarah Jen, Director of the Sigler Family Aging Scholars Program, and are required to develop and implement a community-action project focused on promoting aging-related education, services, and/or advocacy aimed to support relevant and pressing community needs.

The 2022-2023 Sigler Aging Scholars are as follows:

Samantha Gibson

Lindsay Huddlestun

Kristin Nichols

Learn more about the Sigler Aging Scholars Program.