The American Institutes for Research Honors the Life and Legacy of David Goslin
Goslin served as AIR president and CEO for 14 years
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is celebrating the life of David Goslin, who led AIR for 14 years and fostered a period of significant growth in the organization. Dr. Goslin died on Dec. 28, 2024. He was 88.
Dr. Goslin was a researcher, teacher, author, and a well-regarded leader in the social and behavioral sciences. He joined in AIR in 1987 as the organization’s fourth president and CEO, following the retirement of Paul A. Schwarz. During his tenure, AIR conducted several high-profile projects, including a survey for the NCAA on how participation in college athletics affects student athletes; a large-scale personnel evaluation of the U.S. Army that tracked the careers of more than 3 million Army personnel; and the development of a national reporting system for adult education systems.
In 1994, Dr. Goslin oversaw the acquisition of Pelavin Associates, which significantly expanded AIR’s research and technical assistance capabilities, most notably in the field of education, which currently represents a significant portion of AIR’s work. When Dr. Goslin retired from AIR in 2001, Sol Pelavin, founder of Pelavin Associates, became president and CEO.
“David Goslin laid the groundwork that helped AIR become one of the most well-known and well-respected research organizations in the world, and his work still influences what we do and who we are today,” said Jessica Heppen, AIR’s current president and CEO. “He made a real difference in the field of social and behavioral sciences and in the generation and use of evidence to address the biggest challenges our communities face.”
“As we celebrate Dr. Goslin’s many accomplishments and his life of purpose and meaning, the staff of AIR offers its warmest thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.”
Prior to joining AIR, Dr. Goslin spent 13 years as the executive director of the Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences of the National Research Council, the operating arm of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. He also worked at the Russell Sage Foundation and held adjunct teaching positions at several universities. His major areas of research were the sociology of education, the social effects of standardized testing, and socialization theory.
He was an accomplished author and after retiring from AIR, he published “Engaging Minds: Motivation and Learning in America’s Schools.” An avid golfer, he co-authored “Tee to Green: A Guide to Golf After 50” with his sister-in-law, MaryBeth McGirr. Goslin earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Swarthmore College and his master’s and doctorate degrees in sociology from Yale University.
According to an obituary from Dr. Goslin’s family, his last book, “Stories of My Life,” was self-published in 2016. In it, Dr. Goslin wrote:
“Looking back, I realize I have done a lot of fishing in my life—not only for fish, but also for new experiences and adventures, for special people, for challenges, and for opportunities to make a difference in the world. I have been very lucky to have caught so many of each.”
About AIR
Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and the workforce. AIR's work is driven by its mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org.