Lee University's Encore Program, which offers people aged 60 and over the opportunity to take university courses, has announced its fall 2025 offerings.
With a fee of $25, students may choose up to two courses from a wide-ranging selection, covering topics from wellness, the arts, history, science, and faith to literature, travel, culture, technology, personal development, and beyond.
This fall's Encore schedule features the following courses:
American Heart Association Heart Saver First Aid CPR AED teaches individuals with little to no medical training the basics of first aid, CPR, and AED use. The class covers medical emergencies, injury prevention, adult CPR and AED, and opioid-associated emergencies. Dr. Samantha L. Spinks leads this five-week course on Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m., starting Sept. 3.
A Guidebook for Christian Living, the Book of James will cover the instructions given by the Apostle James for successful Christian living in a non-Christian culture. The course presents practical guidelines for spiritual living based on James's teachings. This six-week course, taught by Dr. Henry J. Smith, will meet on Mondays from 5-6:15 p.m., beginning Sept. 15.
In Canva Creations: Design Made Simple participants will discover the art of design using Canva. Over the duration of the class, students learn to create invitations, greeting cards, social media posts, and other personalized projects. Each week combines tutorials with hands-on exercises, allowing participants to build practical skills and a portfolio of completed designs. Taught by Emily Strother, this four-week course takes place on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 9.
Students in Couch to 5k Running & Walking will learn about fitness, nutrition, hydration, strength, breathing, form, and intervals while training for the 5k at the Cleveland Half Marathon 10k and 5k on October 25. Students should be prepared to walk and run outside during class with appropriate athletic shoes and clothes. Brittany Katz will lead this eight-week course meeting on Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m., beginning Aug. 26.
Created for Connections! is a course for women and will focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and experiencing the joy of human connection. Participants will explore ways to deepen connections, foster belonging, and impact others with intentionality and hospitality. The program incorporates insights from David Brooks' book "How to Know a Person" and encourages reflection on how individuals are uniquely wired for connection. Lynne Tellschow will lead this six-week course meeting on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., beginning Oct. 14.
Dead Presidents Society offers an in-depth exploration of U.S. presidents from George Washington to George Bush, focusing on their lives, families, leadership styles, and historic sites. Designed to be interactive and non-political, the course includes a day trip to Nashville and Columbia, Tennessee. Led by Cameron Fisher, this seven-week course takes place on Tuesdays from 4-5:15 p.m., beginning Oct. 7.
Finding Your Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing Genealogy will focus on basic research tools and processes, including print and online sources, oral histories/interviews, and DNA testing. Examples of genealogical findings will be presented in the lectures, and students will have an opportunity to participate in discussion about their personal genealogical quests. Taught by Morgan Mizer, this five-week course is meeting on Tuesdays from 10-11:15 a.m., beginning Sept. 2.
Fit4Life: Senior Strength is a group fitness class tailored to older adults, focusing on improving strength, energy, balance, and flexibility. Open to all fitness levels, the program promotes physical health, mental well-being, and the social benefits of exercising in a supportive group setting. This 10-week course is led by Kendra Gray and will take place on Tuesdays from 5-5:50 p.m., beginning Sept. 9.
Floral Design for Fun offers a relaxed, creative experience for flower lovers to design simple, beautiful arrangements using fresh, seasonal blooms. Students experiment with color and form in a social, stress-free setting. This five-week course is taught by Dwight Richardson and meets Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m., starting Sept. 2.
French for Travelers is a practical introduction to the French language and culture, designed to equip participants with essential phrases for navigating travel-related situations in France. From ordering food to asking for directions, the course focuses on real-world communication to help reduce stress and enhance cultural experiences abroad. Taught by Dr. James D. Wilkins, this six-week course will meet on Tuesdays from 5-6p.m., beginning Sept. 2.
Grief & Loss introduces key concepts in counseling psychology, with a focus on current research and theories of bereavement. Grief therapy is presented as a specialized approach that supports healing as a natural response to loss. Taught by Lena Barber, this six-week course will meet on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m., beginning Sept. 2.
Hello Darlin': This is the New South explores the modern Southern United States, examining its people, economy, politics, culture, religion, and health. Open to newcomers and longtime residents, the class provides a comprehensive look at the region's evolving identity. Dr. Karen Mundy-Judkins and Dr. Ben Judkins will teach this five-week course meeting on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 28.
Intro to Pickleball teaches the fundamentals of pickleball, including basic rules and essential skills. Designed for beginners, it provides an introduction to the fastest-growing sport in America. Led by Gina Simpson, this eight-week course meets on Tuesdays from 1:15-2:25 p.m., beginning Aug. 26.
Intermediate Pickleball, also led by Ms. Simpson, is designed for players who already know the rules and want to improve their skills while enjoying a fun, social, and less competitive setting. This eight-week course meets on Thursdays from 1:15-2:25 p.m., beginning Aug. 28.
Introducing: Your Brain offers an overview of the human brain and its role in shaping behavior. Topics include brain structure and function, neural communication, language, sleep and dreams, and the impact of drugs on the brain. This four-week course, taught by Dr. Robert Fisher, will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:15-2:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 2.
Introduction to Ceramics introduces students to fundamental ceramics techniques, emphasizing hand building, coil building, and molding. Participants gain hands-on experience shaping, glazing, and firing functional and sculptural pieces. This 13-week course, taught by Dr. James E. White, will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:05 a.m.-12:30 p.m., beginning Aug. 26.
Israel in Biblical Prophecy: Does Modern Israel = Biblical Israel? will explore the relationship between modern Israel and biblical-era Israel. Participants examine scriptural texts from Genesis to Revelation, considering Israel's role as God's chosen people and its place in end-times prophecy. Dr. Brian Peterson will teach this six-week course on Wednesdays from 3:45-4:45 p.m., beginning Aug. 20.
Jane Austen and Her Adaptations explores Austen's enduring impact on literature and culture. Students will read two of Austen's novels alongside modern adaptations and attend on-campus film screenings with Q&A sessions, celebrating her wit, humor, and memorable characters. Taught by Makayla Jenkins, this eight-week course will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m., beginning Sept. 2.
Modern to Medieval II: The Birth of Modernity examines the major transformations in European society, culture, and economy between 1500 and 1650. While rooted in medieval traditions, this period saw significant change through the Reformation, global expansion, the scientific revolution, and military conflicts - all key in shaping the foundations of modern Europe. Taught by David Schlosser, this 10-week course meets on Wednesdays from 12:25-1:15 p.m., beginning Aug. 27.
Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediate Levels will offer studio time for intermediate level painters and give instruction for beginners at the onset classes. Students will work on still lifes and landscapes and receive an introduction to portrait painting. Gary McDonald will teach this five-week course, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 2.
Old Dogs, New Tricks introduces essential technology literacy skills for everyday life, focusing on practical, accessible tools to improve convenience and protect privacy. Topics include effective use of AI, leveraging special features on smartphones, understanding how the internet works and its implications for security, and evaluating sources for truth, accuracy, and bias. This seven-week course, taught by Tom Shiflet, will meet on Wednesdays from 9-10:30 a.m., beginning Aug. 27.
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the Puritans and Patriots: Traditions of American Identity and Patriotism course will explore the roots of American identity, liberty, civic responsibility, and patriotism, with a focus on 17th-century England and colonial New England. Taught by Dr. John Coats and Dr. Randy Wood, this six-week course will take place on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 3.
Teacher Tales is designed for teachers-retired or active-or anyone who loves teacher stories. The class shares weekly teacher tales on topics like first days, relationships, parent conferences, discipline, and fights. Participants will share their own written and oral stories in a fun and cathartic environment. This six-week course, led by Frank Lear, meets Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m., starting Sept. 4.
Telling Your Story: Memoir Writings explores strategies and techniques for writing memoirs with opportunities to share personal stories in a supportive setting. Returning students will engage with new assignments and discussions. The course also covers options for publishing and sharing memoirs with family. Led by Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, this six-week course will take place on Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 9.
Tennessee in Tennis Shoes: A Traveling History Course, led by Dr. David Altopp, includes visits to historical sites and points of interest in Tennessee, Georgia, or Alabama. Potential destinations include the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, West Virginia Rail Tour, American Museum of Science and Energy, the Children's Holocaust Museum, and Opryland at Christmas. Final travel dates and site selections will be announced at the informational meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m. in the Rose Lecture Hall, Helen DeVos College of Education
The Church in the Global South: A New Era of Christianity explores the growth and diversity of Christianity in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, now home to most of the world's Christians. It examines how historical and cultural contexts shape faith and practice beyond the Western world, addressing themes like colonialism, indigenous traditions, and contextual theologies. This four-week course is taught by Dr. Lisa Stephenson and will meet on Tuesdays from 1:15-2:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 9.
The Medical Detectives: Tracing Epidemics and Pandemics in the 21st Century examines the history and methods of epidemiology, from early outbreaks like cholera and yellow fever to modern patterns of chronic illness. It covers investigative approaches, changing disease trends in the U.S., and practical strategies for personal health awareness. Dr. Karen Mundy-Judkins and Dr. Ben Judkins will lead this five-week course which meets on Tuesdays, from 4-5:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 16.
What Can You See with a Microscope? will offer an engaging overview of traditional and scanning probe microscopes, ideal for those curious about the microscopic world. Students will learn the differences between magnifying tools - like magnifying glasses, telescopes, and microscopes, as well as compare optical and electron microscopes - highlighting what each can and cannot do. David Harkins will teach this four-week course meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m., beginning Aug. 26.
Zumba Gold is a fun, low-impact dance fitness class designed specifically for active older adults and anyone looking for a gentler approach to the popular Zumba program. This class uses easy-to-follow dance moves to improve cardiovascular fitness, balance, flexibility, and coordination. No dance experience necessary. Taught by Christina Hartgraves, this 10-week course takes place on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m., beginning Sept. 3.
Zumba Gold Chair, also taught by Ms. Hartgraves, is a fun and engaging seated dance fitness class designed for active older adults, individuals with limited mobility, or anyone who prefers a low-impact workout from the comfort of a chair. This class provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and muscle tone. This 10-week course will meet on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:15 a.m., beginning Sept. 3.
Email and mail-in registration for the Encore Program is now open. Completed applications and payments may be submitted to the Encore Office by mail or email. Once processed, a confirmed schedule and instructions for completing registration will be provided.
In-person registration will take place Monday, Aug. 18, and Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 258 of the Science and Math Complex. Registration will continue Wednesday, Aug. 20-through Friday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.-noon on the first floor of the Monument Building, located at 781 North Ocoee St.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email and mail-in registrations received before in-person registration dates will be processed in the order received.
Lee University's Encore Program is a part of the institution's commitment of service to the community. For more information or to request a registration packet, contact [email protected] or visit leeuniversity.edu/encore/.