Director Named at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Susan Tonymon

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The College of Education and Health Professions has appointed Susan Tonymon to be director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas.

Tonymon formerly directed the Beck PRIDE Center for America’s Wounded Veterans at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She also served on Gov. Mike Beebe’s Arkansas Yellow Ribbon Task Force that focused on issues faced by returning veterans from overseas deployment as well as older veterans with increasing health needs. Tonymon has a Master of Social Work degree and certification as a Licensed Master Social Worker.

“The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an important part of the efforts by the University of Arkansas to serve people throughout the state who want to continue to learn and be engaged in their communities,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “OLLI members range from retired higher education professionals and CEOs to people who have worked all their lives but for whatever reason did not have the opportunity to earn a degree. This diverse group shares a common desire to keep learning about the world around them so that they can continue to contribute to society.”

Tonymon’s experience helping military veterans further their education and her own education in social work made her an ideal candidate for the position, said Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a member-driven, peer-led program that offers non-credit classes, trips, and seminars in areas such as history, current events, literature, science and local interests. It offers more than 100 courses each year to a learning community of people over 50. Annual membership is $50 for individuals, $75 for couples and $40 for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association. OLLI members receive discounts on class prices and on other offerings and items available from the university and partners.

Tonymon said the position is similar to her work with combat veterans at Arkansas State University, except with a different group of people.

“I’m interested in promoting education for adults, and this position gives me the opportunity to help seasoned adults pursue lifelong learning,” Tonymon said. “We continue to grow and remain engaged and vital and relevant when we continue to learn. I’m passionate about learning for the love of learning. The more you learn, the more you want to learn.”

The fact that members help drive the institute also appealed to her, Tonymon said.

“If you look at OLLI like a ship, I am honored to have been selected to watch the helm, but the membership is the rudder that gives us direction,” she said. “Members serve in key roles, especially the curriculum committee that chooses the content, and they make choices based on feedback from the membership.”

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has more than 600 members now and has set a goal of increasing to 1,000 members, Tonymon said. Members also serve as instructors for many of the courses. Tonymon said she hopes to involve more university faculty members who may be interested in sharing their expertise.

“I want to invite anyone who is interested in becoming a member or learning more about OLLI or is interested in teaching a course to call us or come by our offices,” she said. “Members provide the energy here at OLLI. They come from the world of business and from the arts. Some don’t have formal education but they are avid learners. They help us take any stress out of learning. They make it enjoyable. We also know that continuing to learn is good for your health.”

Tonymon said that, according to the Mayo Clinic, education appears to be linked to lower incidence of mental decline. Researchers believe education may help the brain develop a strong nerve cell network that compensates for nerve cell damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, she said.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute was established at the University of Arkansas in 2007 with a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation and is the only Osher-funded institute in Arkansas. It is located in the Center for Continuing Education at 2 E. Center St. in Fayetteville.