The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is preparing to kick off a new semester at USF with enhanced collaboration efforts and a new leader.
Veronica Maxwell, director of OLLI-USF
Veronica Maxwell has joined the institute, referred to as OLLI, as its new director. Maxwell comes to USF from Hillsborough County Aging Services, where she spent seven years working with the county’s senior centers as senior program coordinator for nutrition and wellness.
“I am excited to be working with the committed OLLI-USF members, volunteers and staff to help guide the organization’s programs and expansion,” said Maxwell, who also previously served as a teacher in Hillsborough County Public Schools and has been an active volunteer with community organizations that work with older adults.
In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Maxwell holds a master’s degree in science education in instructional leadership. She is currently a doctoral student in curriculum and instruction in the USF College of Education, and recently received the Dr. Kathryn Hyer Supervisor Award from the School of Aging Studies.
A peer learning organization established in 1993, OLLI-USF serves more than 1,400 members annually through learning and social activities for active older adults and has increasingly enrolled emeritus faculty and staff. It offers more than 300 classes each year in the liberal arts and technology training and organizes a free lecture series that is open to the public.
OLLI-USF is a division of Innovative Education – an auxiliary program that is funded through membership fees and other external sources of revenue. It is one of eight locations in Florida. There are 124 OLLI programs at universities nationwide.