Woodhouse didn’t know where her career would take her when she left Wofford with a B.A. in government. Her first job was in nonprofit administration, and she enjoyed taking on the challenges that accompany organizational growth and management. It wasn’t until she began directing the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Furman University in 2008, however, that she realized her passion for working with adult learners.
Woodhouse loved the creativity and energy of the lifelong learners and used that energy to fuel the program’s growth. During her sixyear tenure, Woodhouse was instrumental in expanding OLLI to more than 350 courses, 1,500 members and 400 volunteers. Now Woodhouse brings that expertise to Wofford’s program.
“I get so much joy from working with bright, creative and energetic seniors,” she says. “I realized my passion and inspiration comes from seeing faces, talking to groups, connecting people, challenging a first-time teacher or field trip host, then watching them renew their belief in their purpose in retirement.”
Woodhouse also served as the senior lifelong learning manager at CampusCE Corp. and as CEO of the Black River United Way in Georgetown, S.C., before coming to Wofford.
“Lucy brings the same passion that former director Morgan Jordan instilled in our program,” says Lee Winfield, lifelong learner and chair of the LLL executive committee. “We could not ask for a better candidate to continue the building of the Wofford program.”
by Leila Samhat