Dr. Neal Krause is a preeminent scholar whose pioneering work has transformed understanding of the intricate relationships between social factors, religious involvement, and health outcomes in later life. He holds the distinguished position of Marshall H. Becker Collegiate Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where he served with distinction for nearly three decades. Born December 15, 1948 in Mineola, New York, Dr. Krause earned his BBA in marketing and management from the University of Oklahoma in 1971, followed by an MA in sociology and psychology from Sam Houston State University in 1974. He completed his doctoral studies in sociology through a joint program at the University of Akron and Kent State University in 1978, establishing the foundation for his influential career in psychosocial gerontology and public health research.
Dr. Krause's groundbreaking research has centered on the stress process and the coping resources individuals employ throughout the aging trajectory, particularly examining how religious commitment and social support networks influence physical and mental well-being among older adults. His innovative methodological approaches have rigorously documented the protective effects of religious participation and community engagement on health outcomes, challenging conventional biomedical models of aging. Recognized in 2002 by the Institute for Scientific Information as one of the 250 most frequently cited social scientists, his scholarly impact has been both substantial and enduring across multiple disciplines. His seminal 2008 book, 'Aging in the Church: How Social Relationships Affect Health,' received the prestigious Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award in 2010, solidifying his reputation as a leading authority at the intersection of religion, aging, and public health.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Krause has mentored generations of public health researchers through his graduate teaching on stress processes and mental health interventions at the University of Michigan, shaping the field's methodological standards for measuring complex psychosocial constructs. His NIH-funded research program on religion, aging, and health has established critical theoretical frameworks that continue to guide contemporary investigations into health disparities among older populations. Despite retiring in 2015, his publications remain highly influential across public health, sociology, and gerontology, with ongoing citations reflecting the lasting significance of his integrative approach. Dr. Krause's scholarly legacy endures through his comprehensive documentation of how spiritual and social connections contribute to resilience and healthy aging, providing essential insights for developing effective community-based health interventions for elderly populations.
