Andrew Achenbaum received his BA in American Studies from Amherst College, his MA in American Civilization from University of Pennsylvania, and his PhD in history from the University of Michigan. He served as a professor at Canisius College, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Michigan. He was appointed dean of the College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Communications in 1999 and in 2000 became dean of the newly-formed College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). A nationally-recognized leader in the field of gerontology, Achenbaum serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the National Council on Aging. Previously a Professor of History and Senior Research Scientist in the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Michigan, he has served as a delegate and technical advisor to the White House Conference on Aging.

W. Andrew Achenbaum is currently a professor of history and social work at the University of Houston and holds adjunct appointments in the School of Public Health, the McGovern for the Humanities and Ethics, and the Institute of Religion and Health.  He has written 5 books and edited 11 others, most recently, Older Americans, Vital Communities (Johns Hopkins, 2005). A former board chair of the National Council on Aging, Andy chairs The Center at Christ Church Cathedral and serves on the board of the Holocaust Museum.