Melissa Hayes-Connolly, who previously served as director of the Cooper Center, the Academic Resource Center at Nebraska Wesleyan University, has been named the new director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She will join OLLI on March 2, succeeding retiring director Robert Michl.
In her role at Nebraska Wesleyan University, she provided strategic leadership, oversaw daily operations and trained and supervised peer tutors in support of student success. Her professional strengths include university administration, teaching, curriculum development and academic coaching.
Michl expressed strong confidence in the selection.
“Melissa brings both a deep understanding of higher education and a genuine appreciation for lifelong learning,” he said. “Her collaborative spirit, thoughtful leadership and commitment to serving learners of all ages make her an outstanding choice to lead OLLI into its next chapter.”
Hayes-Connolly earned a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University, master’s degree from Old Dominion University and doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys kayaking, reading, sewing and spending time walking with her husband, Des, and their rescue dog, Penny.
With her experience and passion for education, Michl said Hayes-Connolly is well-positioned to build on OLLI’s strong foundation and continue its tradition of enriching the lives of adult learners across the community.
