April 30, 2026 - Joey Conrad & Sue Oatey (UK's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 30, 2026) – Each spring, the University of Kentucky celebrates a new class of graduates stepping into the next chapter of their lives. But at UK, learning doesn't end at commencement. On this episode of Behind the Blue, host Kody Kiser talks with Joey Conrad, director of the University of Kentucky's Office of Lifelong Learning, and Sue Oatey, an OLLI class participant, about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK and the community it creates for adults ages 50 and older.  OLLI at UK offers educational and enrichment courses, forums, shared interest groups, trips, events and more for adult learners. Conrad says the program is designed for engagement and connection, with opportunities that encourage participants to explore new interests, revisit long-held passions, and build friendships through shared learning.  Oatey, who moved to Lexington after retiring nine years ago, shares how she discovered OLLI through a friend and quickly found it became a gateway to learning and community. She describes taking courses ranging from bourbon and wine appreciation to geology and constitutional topics, and says the program helped her build a network of friends and ongoing experiences in a place that was once new to her.  The conversation also highlights the Office of Lifelong Learning's Donovan Scholarship program, which helps Kentucky residents ages 65 and older take University of Kentucky academic courses. Conrad explains how participants can audit courses or pursue degrees, and how the office helps adult learners navigate the enrollment process and connect with campus resources.  OLLI at UK has sites in Lexington and Morehead and supports a growing community of learners. Conrad notes the program continues to expand course offerings and access, including online options that allow participants to learn from across Kentucky and beyond.  To learn more about OLLI at UK, visit olliatuk.uky.edu. 'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to receive new episodes each week, featuring UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists, writers and the most important news impacting the university. 'Behind the Blue' is a production of the University of Kentucky. Transcripts for most episodes are now embedded in the audio file and can be accessed in many podcast apps during playback. Transcripts for older episodes remain available on the show's blog page.  To discover how the University of Kentucky is advancing our Commonwealth, click here. This interview has been edited for time and clarity.