Dana Thorp Patterson has been selected as the next director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Boise State University. She starts her new position Dec. 4.
“Dana has over 20 years of experience developing continuing education programs and serving adult learners,” said Mark Wheeler, dean of Extended Studies. “She is the right person to lead our very successful Osher Lifelong Learning Institute into the future.”
Thorp Patterson has worked as executive director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at the University of Alaska, Anchorage; dean of Continuing Education at Ozarks Technical Community College in Missouri; and director of Continuing Education at Rogue Community College.
“I’m excited to join Boise State University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. I have a passion for lifelong learning and am eager to carry on and expand the great work done by the previous director, the staff and the advisory board,” said Thorp Patterson.
Thorp Patterson follows in the footsteps of Rosemary Reinhardt, who during her six years grew the Osher Institute to over 1,600 members and greatly expanded its educational offerings.
Endowed by the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Boise State is a membership-based, lifelong learning program that offers a wide variety of college-level, noncredit offerings designed for intellectually curious adults over age 50. The institute’s offerings are offered both fall and spring semesters and are taught by Boise State faculty and other community experts.