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Farewell Editorial

Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences

It has been an honor to serve as editor of the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences (JG: PS) for the last 4 years. This time has passed surprisingly quickly, and I am pleased that the journal continues to occupy its place as one of the prime outlets for high quality gerontological research. During my tenure, we have seen record numbers of submissions, which I believe reflects not only the Journal's prestige, but also the healthy state of the field of gerontology. Given this state of affairs, GSA has seen fit to increase the number of pages in each issue by 12, allowing us to publish approximately 12 more articles every year. We have also strived to speed up the publication process by making timely editorial decisions, and our average of about 7 weeks between submission and initial decision indicates that we have been relatively successful in this regard. These two factors, along with maintenance of the 5000-word article limit, have worked to increase the number of articles that we publish and to speed their appearance in print. I look forward to continued improvements in the publication process as GSA explores ways to maintain the status of the Journal in an ever-changing and uncertain realm of scientific publishing,

There are many people that I would like to recognize at this time, for their involvement and support was essential to the successful operation of the Journal during my tenure. First, I would like to thank the previous editor, Margie Lachman, and her assistant, Cynthia Davis, for sharing their expert knowledge about editorial operations and making the transition of journal operations to NC State relatively seamless. I would also like to thank the other GSA editors—particularly Chuck Longino and Linda Noelker—for sharing their experience and offering sage advice to an editing novice. My appreciation also goes out to the GSA Publications Committee for their support over the course of my tenure, and a special thanks to Patty Walker, Michelle Norris, and Erin Piel of the GSA publications staff, whose tireless and largely behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the smooth operation not only of JG: PS, but our sister GSA journals as well.

The success of the journal as an outlet for high quality scientific research is dependent upon the willingness of experts in the field to donate their valuable professional time to the reviewing process. I have been privileged to work with an editorial board that consists of many of the best researchers in the field, and I greatly appreciate their sharing their collective wisdom both during the review process and in guiding the operation of JG: PS. I would also like to thank the hundreds of ad hoc reviewers who have contributed in a smaller, but just as essential role over the past 4 years.

My sincere thanks also goes out to my Associate Editor, Karen Hooker. Her expertise in areas that were underrepresented in my knowledgebase helped to ensure that the evaluation process for every manuscript would be overseen by someone with the appropriate expertise. Her assistance in the editorial process also helped to ensure that timely editorial decisions continued to be made in the face of ever-rising submission rates. I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable work of my editorial assistant, Heather Blasco, whose quick mastering the of the web-based interface ensured smooth operation of the journal from day one. Her efficient organization of the journal office provided a counterbalance to the disorganization in mine, and much of what went right with respect to journal operations is due to her efforts. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their support during my tenure and their willingness to put up with the additional demands upon my time.

I also offer my congratulations to Rosemary Bliezsner, who will be assuming the editorship in January, 2008. I am certain that the Journal will continue to prosper in her capable hands, and I look forward to working with her during the transition period.

It is with mixed emotions that I leave this post. When I was exploring the possibility of taking this position, one colleague described the duties of a journal editor as akin to having a child—and in some ways it was, with the journal being almost as persistent and demanding of my time. But the rewards were many as well, and I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and to interact with so many researchers in the field. Although I will miss the challenges and rewards of being editor, I am also looking forward to the singular pleasures of the "empty nest" and being able to devote more attention to other scholarly and professional activities.

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