Josh Raney has been named director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute based in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. He has been serving as director in an interim capacity since April.

"Many of us in the college have known Josh Raney for more than 10 years and know how hard he works," said Michael T. Miller, dean of the college. "He has been doing a fine job with OLLI, and we are pleased to offer this permanent position to him. OLLI gives our college an added dimension to provide lifelong learning opportunities to a community that is eager for knowledge about the world around them."

Raney has primarily worked in the College of Education and Health Professions since 2004. He formerly directed the Razor C.O.A.C.H. program that provides counselor education graduate students as college and career planning coaches at local high schools. Before that, he was coordinator of graduate student services in the Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders.

He has a master's degree in human resources and a bachelor's degree in marketing, both from the U of A.

OLLI is a member-driven, nonprofit organization. The Bernard Osher Foundation has established 119 centers at universities across the United States for the purpose of meeting needs of adult learners. The hybrid organizations are comprised of staff and empowered members who generate peer-led organization and content. They provide valuable opportunities to older adults to share intellectual interests, make new friends, explore cultural topics and other thought-provoking subjects, and exchange ideas with peers.

The director manages every facet of the institute with concurrence on many issues with the dean of the college. This includes conceptualizing, planning, development, marketing and coordinating the programming offered each semester. The director also oversees the institute's advisory board.

"It is a very exciting time to be a part of OLLI as we look ahead to the institute's 10th anniversary at the U of A in 2017," Raney said. "OLLI is not only a vital part of the UA in carrying out its mission but our community as well by providing a valuable and needed service that more people want to engage in. I invite members of the UA community and residents of Northwest Arkansas to attend one of our courses, public events or social gatherings to learn more about opportunities that we offer. This fall we have some incredible programs such as John Brummett's 'Crystal Ball: The Presidential Election,' a private tour of the Tyson Art Gallery, events at the Museum of Native American History, Dr. Angie Maxwell's 'The South vs. Everything,' various trips and hikes around the region, and much more."

Member committees are working now to build course offerings for next spring, and Raney encouraged current and former U of A faculty and other professionals to share their expertise and knowledge by teaching an OLLI course.

"Whether you join as a member, attend courses and events, or propose a class to teach, I encourage you to join us in promoting lifelong learning in Northwest Arkansas," Raney said.

More information is available on the website, by calling 479-575-4545 or via email at olli@uark.edu. The latest OLLI updates and announcements are available to those who join the mailing list.