Bob Knight, professor of gerontology and clinical psychology at the USC Davis School of Gerontology, will receive an award for the Advancement of Psychology and Aging from the American Psychological Association Committee on Aging.

“This honor recognizes Dr. Knight’s extraordinary leadership across the domains of education, practice, organizational development and research in clinical geropsychology,” said Merla Arnold, chair of the association’s Committee on Aging. “He has been a role-model for peers, junior and senior colleagues, and students alike. He is held in the highest esteem for his unwavering commitment and contributions to older adults and those that care for and about them.”

Arnold went on to praise Knight’s work with caregivers from minority populations, citing his unique ability as a scientist and trainer to address needs of diverse populations served by community practitioners.

Knight is widely recognized for developing the Pike’s Peak Model of Professional Geropsychology, which emerged under his leadership as a competency-based model for addressing the mental health needs of older adults. The training guide is intended for professional development at all levels from predoctoral to post-licensure.

Knight has been a past president of the American Psychological Association’s Division 20, which is dedicated to issues of adult development and aging, and the Society of Clinical Geropsychology. He also was chair of the Committee on Aging.

At USC, Knight is the Merle H. Bensinger Professor of Gerontology and Psychology and director of the Tingstad Older Adult Counseling Center. He also serves as the faculty director of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center and directs clinical training for the Department of Psychology.

“I am very honored and pleased to be recognized by the Committee on Aging,” Knight said. “The committee is a major force in APA governance for the ongoing recognition of aging within psychology and a central voice for the various components of APA that focus on aging.”

The tribute will be presented at the American Psychological Association’s 117th annual convention on Aug. 8 in Toronto.