Galveston seawall, enhanced view- waves wash ashore along a concrete barrier lined with palm trees in late afternoon golden light

The UTMB Pepper CenterClaude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC)

Welcome

The UTMB Health Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) is home to an interdisciplinary team of investigators who are committed to advancing aging science. The Center supports investigators, research, and expertise in gerontology and geriatrics to accomplish the OAIC mission: To establish centers of excellence in geriatrics research and research education to increase scientific knowledge to better ways to maintain or restore independence in older persons.

2025-2030 Theme & Specific Aims

Overall Accomplishments

Scholars Trained: +40
Publications: +860
Projects: +76

Contact Us

The UTMB Health Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
Directions and Maps
Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu

The WEARHouse: Wearable Sensor Resource for Researchers
 Texas Age-Tech
 Sealy Center on Aging

News & Events

  • Ms. Love, a centenarian woman of color stands outdoors in Sunday dress

    SCOA Celebrates Centenarian Eslen Brown Love with Special Thanks for her Volunteerism

    June 19, 2026, 06:53 AM by SCOA

    The Sealy Center for Aging extends heartfelt birthday wishes and congratulations to Eslen Brown Love, who will reach the magnificent milestone centenarian age of 100 years, on June 24, 2026! After lovingly and steadfastly serving as the long-term care provider to her husband, Henry, who passed away in 1992, Eslen wanted to fill her time with purposeful work, to which she could lend her gift and abilities toward being of help to others. She joined the AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in 2006, motivated simply by her heart’s desire to continue helping those in need. When asked about her volunteerism, she expressed feeling particularly fulfilled with knowing that her extension of Christ-like compassion may have made a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.

  • La Kesha Golliday Honored with Village Keeper Award, UTMB Commemorates Juneteenth

    June 18, 2026, 12:29 PM by SCOA

    La Kesha Golliday, a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Sealy Center on Aging, has been recognized with a Village Keeper Award from the NIA Cultural Center in Galveston. The award highlights her dedication to community impact and purposeful service. Through her work in aging research, Golliday is committed to improving lives and advancing knowledge that benefits older adults. Her recognition underscores the important role of research professionals in strengthening communities and advancing meaningful change. UTMB will commemorate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19, 2026, with adjusted hours across our campuses. We encourage you to take this time to celebrate freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of purpose.

  • NIA Renews Funding for the UTMB Health Pepper OAIC

    September 18, 2025, 08:05 AM by SCOA

    The National Institute on Aging has renewed funding for the UTMB Health Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) with a five-year, $6.5 million award, continuing support through August 2030. Since 2000, the Center has advanced research and training focused on improving independence for older adults living with chronic disabling conditions. Building on more than two decades of accomplishments—including training 41 scholars and publishing over 860 studies—the next funding cycle will emphasize reducing health disparities, expanding research on lifelong disabilities, increasing participation of underserved populations, and developing technology-enabled interventions. Through its interdisciplinary team and integrated research and education cores, the UTMB Health OAIC will continue to lead innovation in aging science and prepare the next generation of researchers dedicated to enhancing the health and independence of older adults.

  • Sealy Center on Aging Welcomes New Director, Dr. Melissa Morrow

    July 1, 2025, 10:50 AM by SCOA

    UTMB Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melissa (Missy) Morrow as Director of the Sealy Center on Aging. A renowned rehabilitation scientist and expert in aging and disability research, Dr. Morrow brings deep experience in translational science, biomechanics, and health technology. She currently serves as Co-Director of the NIA-funded Pepper Center at UTMB and will lead the center’s involvement in the new $5 million Healthy Aging and Technology (Age-Tech) Initiative. We thank Dr. Alan Landay for his exceptional service as interim director and look forward to the center’s continued growth under Dr. Morrow’s leadership.

  News & Event Archive

Leadership

Administration

  • Alexis King, MS
    Program Manager, Sealy Center on Aging, Phone: 409-772-9683, E-mail: alnking@utmb.edu
  • Roxann Grover, MA
    Web Communications & Operations Manager, Phone: 409-772-3075, E-mail: rmgrover@utmb.edu
  • Roxana Hirst, MS, CCRP
    Lead Research Project Manager, Phone: 409-266-9641, E-mail: rmhirst@utmb.edu
  • Alice Williams Alice Williams, MS, LBSW
    Manager, Communications & Community Initiatives, Phone: 409-266-9647, E-mail: alwillia@utmb.edu

Associated Programs

OAIC_National

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301 University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77555-0177 | p 409.747.0008 | f 409.772.8931 The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center Award #P30-AG024832 is funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Contact Roxann Grover, MA regarding updates to this content.