Bert Hayslip: Bringing help to the elderly through research, community service

		Bert Hayslip, Regents Professor of psychology, learned early to value and respect people for who they are, not what they do — an attitude that has proven helpful to his research on issues involving older Americans.

Bert Hayslip, Regents Professor of psychology, first became interested in the subject of older people and the issues they face after observing elderly nursing home residents while working for his father's carpet cleaning services. He credits those early experiences for shaping him into the person he is today.

"I think working for my father affected my work ethic and my sense of the importance of being honest and supportive of other people. I worked many long hours and, frankly, I was not treated well by many others who saw me as just a laborer," he says.

Hayslip says his parents, especially his mother, taught him that all people deserve respect and encouraged him to think of others' feelings.

"Ultimately, others will remember you for the impact that you had on them," he says. "They will not remember your accomplishments or how important you thought you were."

Hayslip took the experiences and lessons of his youth with him as he earned a bachelor's degree in 1969, a master's degree in 1971 and finally a doctoral degree in 1975, all in psychology and all from the University of Akron. After teaching at Hood College in Frederick, Md., for three years, he came to UNT in 1978 where he has continued his research on several issues affecting older Americans. These include grandparenting, mental health and aging, funerals, death anxiety, midlife development and hospice care.

The 1992 death of his father had a profound impact on Hayslip, not just as a son, but as a researcher of issues relating to the elderly. He says the experience made his research "more real to him."

Hayslip is so committed to the cause of his work that he finds time in his schedule to consult for community programs and volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. He also makes presentations at the local senior citizens center and other older adult organizations on topics including memory loss, grief, caregiving and grandparenting.

Hayslip's dedication to others hasn't gone unnoticed by his co-workers.

"Bert Hayslip is a great colleague, mentor and friend. He is so busy, yet he shares his time and expertise with students, colleagues and numerous causes and organizations in and around Denton," says Patricia L. Kaminski, assistant professor of psychology.

"On a typical Monday I'll be in a ‘What did you do this weekend?' conversation with Bert," says Kaminski. "So often his response is something like, ‘Well, after 18 holes of golf, I finished the grandparenting book and it should be in press by summer. I didn't quite complete the grant proposal before [his son] Patrick's water polo game. Oh, by the way, I did the revisions on our manuscript and I'll drop that off to you after I deliver meals this afternoon.' He's one of those people who make you wonder if he ever sleeps."

BY MAGAN HENDON inhouse@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Regents approve new construction, renovations
• $4 million bequests benefit Department of Biological Sciences and research at UNT
• UNT to honor barrier-breaking athletes Oct. 2
• Start-up the Band seeking used instruments
• Emmy-nominated Queer Eye for the Straight Guy brings New York chic to UNT
• George Foreman to speak at annual leadership lunch
• North Texas Exes to host tailgating in Waco
• UNT celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
• Club at Gateway Center opening soon for Fall 2004
• Family Weekend is Oct. 1-3
• Voter registration deadline for Nov. 2 election approaching

homepage