ON THE EDGE OF THE OZARKS

About the Book

On the Edge of the Ozarks details the lives of 15 elderly people who live in the Arkansas River Valley. Beginning with commentary on how we all age and why we should never ignore the stories of elders, it subsequently dives into vivid accounts from interviewees about childhood, family dynamics, school life, military service, employment, and growing old.

About the Author

Jason S. Ulsperger is an associate professor of sociology at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, where he teaches social gerontology. He obtained his doctorate from Oklahoma State University. His research appears in journals such as Sociological Spectrum and the Journal of Applied Social Sciences. In 2008, he won the Mid-South Sociological Association’s award for publication of the year for an article written with J. David Knottnerus called “The Social Dynamics of Elder Care.” He was the 2013 recipient of Arkansas Tech University’s Faculty Award for Scholarship and Creative Activity. Kristen Kloss Ulsperger is a visiting instructor of sociology at Arkansas Tech University. She obtained her master’s degree from Arkansas State University. She and Jason are the editors of two other oral history collections - Voices of Pope County and River Valley Reflections. Kayla Osborne is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University. In addition to contributing to various oral history projects, she recently completed a study examining the dynamics of farmers’ markets in the Arkansas River Valley.