With a testamentary gift to benefit the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, K. Warner Schaie, PhD, and Sherry Willis, PhD, have attained the status of UW Laureates, a level of recognition reserved for UW’s most generous alumni and friends. Their generosity is funding the K. Warner Schaie Endowed Professorship in Adult Cognitive Development, an exciting opportunity for a full time faculty member with expertise in cognitive aging and resilience, and a wonderful reflection of their deep and long-time commitment to the study of cognitive development and to help those with dementia and other disorders. Please share this job announcement with prospective candidates.

Drs. Schaie and Willis are probably best known for the Seattle Longitudinal Study (SLS), a decades-long research project that studies various aspects of psychological development during adulthood. Dr. Schaie began the SLS in 1956 in cooperation with the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, and Dr. Willis became principal co-investigator of the study in 1983. SLS is considered by many to be one of the most extensive psychological research studies of how adults cognitively develop and change through adulthood. The study adds participates every seven years and to date, has had over 6,000 adults, ages 20 – 100+, participate. The duo’s research over the past 50+ years has not only shown a relationship between age and cognitive ability, but also has influenced policy. Results from the SLS helped change the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 70 in many fields. Thanks to this research, many people are able to continue working into their 60s and 70s.

Throughout their impressive careers, Drs. Schaie and Willis have made remarkable contributions to the field. Their endowed professorship will ensure that future researchers will have the resources they need to continue this critical work. We are grateful for their work, dedication and partnership.