MEET THE STAFF

Sandra Sawyer, assistant director of OLLI-UA, has been with the institute since 2008. She has seen it grow from just over 100 members and a handful of courses to over 500 members and 200 programs annually.

Sandra began working part time with OLLI in the fall of 2008, assisting with finances. As the institute gained momentum and quickly grew, the work became overwhelming for then director, and sole staff member, Kathleen Dorn. “It was a lot of work for one person. Think recruitment, promotions, outreach, curriculum and development,” says Sawyer. Recognizing this, Sandra, who at that time was working with the Road Scholar program, asked to have her duties shifted to assist OLLI with finances.

In May of 2012, Sandra accepted a full time position with the institute as the Operations Manager, working with all facets of the program. Within a few shorts months she was asked to work more closely with the curriculum development team to allow the director more time to focus on membership, marketing, and development. “I was terrified. I had observed a curriculum meeting prior but was new to the process of devising course ideas, developing content and recruiting instructors.” Learning from committee members she gained a lot and quickly took the reins. Currently Sandra is the institute’s assistant director, working closely with the director, Josh Raney and each of the volunteer committees.

When asked what is her favorite part about being with OLLI she quickly replied “Working with this great demographic. We have some of the best people in and around Northwest Arkansas as OLLI members. I have met and worked closely with doctors, nurses, former congressmen, teachers, artists, farmers, housewives, bank associates, and CEO’s. They are all warm and open, some of the friendliest people you would ever want to meet. I have come to learn just how important OLLI is to our members at this stage of their lives and I want to do all I can to help it continue.”

When Sandra isn’t keeping the OLLI wheels spinning she is heavily involved with the Kiwanis Club and PeeWee Spirit program in Farmington where she lives. She also enjoys reading and is a member of the Friends of the Fayetteville Public Library. Sandra loves spending time with her family, son Barry and his wife Rachel, and her daughter Mycayla, who will be attending the U of A this fall as a freshman. Let’s not forget her fur baby, Chew.

This fall Sandra is embarking on new ventures. In August she will be hosting, Nanaka, an exchange student from Japan, who will be residing with her until June 2018. Sandra will also be continuing her collegiate studies this coming year at the University of Arkansas.