Robert Michl has been named the new director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, succeeding Dee Aguilar, who retired after 15 years of service to the institute.

Michl assumes the position in January and will report to Sherri Jones, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. He will lead and manage all aspects of the OLLI program, from daily operations to budgeting and program planning.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, otherwise known as OLLI at the university, is a lifelong learning program designed for adults 50 years of age and older. OLLI offers non-credit courses, events, lectures and travel opportunities. OLLI is one of more than 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the United States.

During the past three years, Michl has served as the curriculum coordinator for OLLI, where he was responsible for oversight of the program’s curriculum committees and collaborations with volunteers and university faculty. He has a long career in education having served as a principal and curriculum, instruction and assessment director for Freeman Public Schools in Adams, Nebraska, for 17 years. Prior to that, he was a teacher and coach for Gretna High School in Gretna, Nebraska. He received a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2006.

“Michl brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership expertise, and energy and enthusiasm for working with volunteers. He will have a positive impact on the program,” said Joe Seewald, chair of the OLLI Advisory Council.