OSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute names new director

Monday, July 29, 2019

Robbin Davis is the new director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), the Oklahoma State University College of Education, Health and aviation recently announced.

Davis is an experienced professional with more than 20 years of experience working with non-profit organizations.  Prior to four years of service as director of the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum in Ponca City, Oklahoma, she spent eight years at the Oklahoma History Center. Most recently, Davis was the director of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, Oklahoma.

The mission of OLLI is to provide continuing education for seniors through classes, travel and social activities that enrich the quality of life. The program offers interactive, educational courses year round in Bartlesville, Oklahoma City, Stillwater and Tulsa. Course selections and topics include arts and crafts, history, religion, politics, literature, science, technology, music, gardening, travel, dining and much more.

“We are excited to have Robbin lead this program,” said Stephan Wilson, interim dean of the College of Education, Health and Aviation. “Since 2005, OLLI has been a resource to members of our community across the state of Oklahoma. The program’s mission to enrich lives is a perfect example of who we are as a land-grant institution. I look forward to celebrating the program’s continued success under Robbin’s leadership.”

Davis earned her Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design from Oklahoma State and her Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from Oklahoma City University. She is a published author in volunteer management strategies, past national board member of the American Association for Museum Volunteers and past vice-president for the Central Oklahoma Volunteer Administrators. 

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the OLLI family,” said Davis. “I have admired this program for a long time, and I’m excited to be leading it as the new director. I’m looking forward to working with all of the OLLI volunteers and dreaming up new and exciting classes, travel opportunities and social activities at all of our locations. It is a dream come true to be back on the OSU campus and to now be working alongside staff and faculty who I’ve admired for so long.”

The OLLI program will offer courses in all four of its Oklahoma locations beginning in September. For more information on the program and to enroll, please visit education.okstate.edu/olli or call 405.744.5868.

Media Contact: Rachel Potts | 405-744-8320 | rachel.potts@okstate.edu