Lee University’s Encore Program is offering a diverse selection of courses this spring for individuals age 60 and over, providing a unique opportunity to explore new subjects, develop skills, and engage with a vibrant community of learners. 

Encore students can choose from 27 courses covering arts, literature, history, fitness, wellness, technology, genealogy, travel, faith, and more. With a fee of $25, participants may choose up to two of the following courses:

Hard Sayings of the Bible will examine a series of biblical passages that have generally troubled or stumped scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike either interpretively, theologically, or otherwise. The class will begin in Genesis and work canonically through each biblical book where difficult passages appear.  This six-week course is taught by Dr. Brian Peterson on Wednesdays, from 3:45-4:45 p.m., beginning Jan. 14.

The iHows in the iWorld: A Guide to the iPhone and iPad introduces novice users to Apple devices. The course covers basic navigation, settings, email, messaging, FaceTime, social media, photography, and web browsing. Participants will explore new iOS features, sharing tools and free apps, utilities, and games using their own iPhones or iPads. This five-week course, taught by Dr. Bill Jaber, will meet on Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m., beginning Jan. 27.

Couch to 5K Running & Walking helps participants build fitness while training for the 65 Roses 5K on March 28, 2026. The course covers nutrition, hydration, strength, breathing, form, and interval training. Open to runners and walkers, classes meet outdoors when possible, or indoors as needed. This 10-week course is taught by Brittany Katz, owner of Terra Running Co. and certified running coach, and will take place on Tuesdays, from 8-9 a.m., beginning Jan. 13.

Matters of Age: Health, Medicine, and Living Well explores aging in medical and social contexts, highlighting new research on longevity and quality of life. The course emphasizes holistic well-being, examining challenges and opportunities of aging. Participants receive practical recommendations for healthy living, concluding with a spring celebration dinner. This five-week course is taught by Drs. Bennett Judkins and Karen Mundy-Judkins and will meet on Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 27, from 4-5:30 p.m.

Making Sense of Everyday Life: Its Patterns, Challenges, and Surprises, also taught by the Judkins, explores the taken-for-granted aspects of daily life through an experimental social psychology lens. Topics include identity, emotions, conformity, relationships, personal space, and group behavior. The course examines cultural change and everyday challenges, concluding with a spring celebration dinner.   This five-week course meets on Tuesdays, from 4-5:30 p.m., beginning March 17.

A Taste of Thai Culture introduces participants to Thailand’s culture, language, dance, and cuisine. The course includes food sampling and time for prayer and reflection focused on Thailand and its people, offering an overview of cultural and spiritual traditions. Taught by Dr. Jo Ann Higginbotham, this five-week course takes place on Wednesdays, from 4-5 p.m., beginning March 18.

Zumba Gold is a low-impact dance fitness class designed for active older adults seeking a gentler version of the Zumba program. The class features easy-to-follow movements that improve cardiovascular fitness, balance, flexibility, and coordination. No prior dance experience is required. Led by Christina Hartgraves, this semester-long course meets Wednesdays, with sessions offered at 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m., beginning Jan. 21.

Zumba Gold Chair, also led by Hartgraves, is a seated, low-impact dance fitness class designed for active older adults and individuals with limited mobility. The class features easy-to-follow routines that provide a full-body workout while improving cardiovascular health, coordination, and muscle tone. This semester-long course meets Wednesdays from 9-9:45 a.m., beginning Jan. 21.

From “Charlotte’s Web” to “Chronicles of Narnia”: Using Children’s Literature to Connect with Your Grandchildren highlights quality, age-appropriate books for children from birth through fifth grade. The course covers community literacy resources, response activities to shared books, and strategies for sharing books as a long-distance grandparent. This six-week course is taught by Dr. Laura Anderson on Wednesdays, 3:35-4:25 p.m., beginning Jan. 14.

You Can Draw! is a beginner-friendly course that explores the fundamentals of pencil and ink drawing, including key design elements, technique, and creative practice. Participants will receive guidance and supplies, including paper, pencils, erasers, and an ink pen. Taught by Dr. Bill Kamm, the six-week course meets Wednesdays, 3-4:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 18, with a $27 supply fee.

You Can Draw Too (2)!, also taught by Kamm, builds on last spring’s drawing course, focusing on applying skills to still life and outdoor subjects. Participants will review fundamentals but spend most of the time practicing, including plein air studies when weather permits. This six-week course meets Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m., beginning. Feb. 18.

Tennessee in Tennis Shoes: A Traveling History Course offers participants the chance to explore historical sites across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and beyond, including places such as Marion County Coal Miners Museum, Washington, D.C., and Virginia’s Colonial Triangle. Travel dates and site selections will be discussed at an informational meeting on Jan. 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Jones Lecture Hall, located in the School of Theology & Ministry. Led by Dr. David Altopp, the course requires a minimum of 35 participants per trip, with additional travel and admission costs.

Ancient Greece explores the Greek world from the Mycenaeans through the Hellenistic period after Alexander the Great. The course examines how politics, society, culture, and environment shaped life across various city-states. This 10-week course, taught by David Schlosser, meets Wednesdays, 12:25-1:15 p.m., beginning Jan. 21.

Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediate Levels provides instruction for beginners and studio time for intermediate painters. Participants will develop skills and techniques in a supportive environment. The five-week course, taught by Gary McDonald, begins Jan. 27 and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Miracles & Other Great Works of God explores miracles and remarkable acts recorded in the Old and New Testaments, as well as events that have occurred since biblical times. Taught by Dr. Henry Smith, this seven-week course begins Jan. 12 and meets Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m.

Teacher Tales is a fun and cathartic course for current or retired teachers, or anyone who loves stories from the classroom. Each week features tales on topics such as first days, relationships, parent conferences, discipline, and more, with opportunities for participants to share their own stories. Taught by Frank Lear, this six-week course begins Jan. 29 and meets Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m.

Those Other Religions is a seven-week discussion exploring a variety of faiths from a Christian perspective, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and atheism. Designed to be comparative, informative, and casual, the course concludes with a “special” final session. Also taught by Lear, this course meets Thursdays, 6–7 p.m., beginning March 12.

Intro to Pickleball teaches the basics of America’s fastest-growing sport. Participants will learn rules, techniques, and essential skills needed to play, whether for fun or friendly competition. Taught by Gina Simpson, the seven-week course begins Jan. 20 and meets Tuesdays, 1:15-2:25 p.m.

Intermediate Pickleball, also taught by Simpson, is designed for players who already know the basics and want to continue developing their skills in a fun, social setting. Participants will refine shots, practice strategy, and enjoy friendly play in a supportive environment. This seven-week course meets Thursdays, 1:15-2:25 p.m. beginning Jan. 22.

Watercolor Painting for Beginning and Intermediate Painters introduces students to basic and advanced watercolor techniques while building skills, confidence, and personal style. The course includes teacher-guided and self-paced projects, emphasizing creative composition. Taught by Mary Ann Poplin, with over 50 years of painting experience, the eight-week class meets Tuesdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 27. A $40 supply fee applies.

Telling Your Story: Memoir Writing guides participants in writing and sharing personal memoirs, exploring strategies and techniques to bring their stories to life. Returning students may explore new assignments and discussions. The course also covers options for publishing and sharing stories with family. Taught by Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, it meets Tuesdays, 3-4:30 p.m., and begins March 17.

Finding Your Roots: A Beginner’s Guide to Tracing Genealogy introduces participants to basic tools and methods for researching family history, including print and online sources, oral histories, and DNA testing. Students will view examples and discuss their own genealogical journeys. Taught by Morgan Mizer, this five-week course meets Tuesdays, 10–11:15 a.m., beginning March 24.

Created for Connections! is a six-week course for women focused on building meaningful relationships and experiencing the joy of connection. Participants will explore strategies for connection, study David Brooks’ “How to Know a Person,” and discover ways to impact others with intentionality and hospitality. Taught by Lynne Tellschow, the course meets Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 27. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book in advance.

Old Dogs, New Tricks provides an overview of key technology topics to help participants navigate today’s digital world with confidence. The course covers how the Internet works, smartphone tips, AI basics, and evaluating online information for reliability and bias. Taught by Tom Shiflet, the seven-week course meets Tuesdays, 3:30–5 p.m., beginning Jan. 20.

Grief & Loss introduces participants to counseling psychology approaches for understanding and supporting bereavement. The course covers current research, theories, and the unique aspects of grief therapy, focusing on active steps to navigate personal recovery. Taught by Lena Barber, the five-week course meets Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., beginning Jan. 27.

Fit4Life: Senior Strength is a fitness class designed to help participants build strength, improve balance and flexibility, and boost energy in a supportive group setting. Suitable for all fitness levels, the class includes seated and standing exercises using chairs as needed. Kendra Gray leads the 10-week course, which begins Jan. 27 and meets Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

American Heart Association Heart Saver First Aid CPR AED is designed for individuals with little to no medical training who want to learn essential first aid, CPR, and AED skills. Topics include injury and illness prevention, emergency response, and opioid-related emergencies. Samantha Spinks leads the six-week course, meeting Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m., starting Jan. 21.

Email and mail-in registration for the Encore Program is now open.  In-person registration will take place January 5 until January 16 on the first floor of the Lee University Monument Building, located at 781 N. Ocoee Street.

Seating is limited for each course and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations received by email or mail before in-person registration will be processed in the order received.

Lee University’s Encore Program is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to serving the community.

For more information about Encore or to request a registration packet, contact Community Engagement at (423) 614-8598, [email protected], or visit leeuniversity.edu/encore/.