NEWS

DavidsonLearns came about as the result of local citizens who wanted to start a Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI). In 2012, these citizens came together and created a non-profit organization for the purpose of offering adult education with classes taught primarily by Davidson College professors.

Some of these organizers and board members were Ruth Ault, Deb Cameron, Andrea Caughey, Cecil Clifton, Jennie Clifton, Megan Pillow Davis, Amy Diamond, Lisa Gray, Sherrill Holland, Natasha Marcus, Tom Rynne, Joey Schnople, Bill Tiemann, Connie Wessner, Margo Williams, and John Woods.

The intention was to start small — three or four courses per semester — and expand from there. In Fall 2012, DavidsonLearns announced its first term, offering three courses: Introduction to the Writing of Poetry taught by Tony Abbott, PhD; The Federal Reserve taught by Randall Kincaid, PhD; and Politics, Policy & the 2012 Election taught by Susan Roberts, PhD.  These classes were so well-attended that more classes were added each term.

DavidsonLearns has grown tremendously in the fourteen years since its inception, offering multi-session classes, mini-courses, Spotlight Events, local field trips, and travel. It has partnered with Road Scholar to offer trips to New York City and Mt. Rushmore/Black Hills/Badlands. Upcoming trips include Quebec City and Ireland.

With approximately 800 members, DavidsonLearns will offer 31 courses in Fall 2026 and an estimated 30 courses in Winter/Spring 2027. These classes include a variety of topics taught by subject matter experts.

DavidsonLearns also offers Spotlight Events which are one-hour presentations that are free and open to the public.

Amy Diamond, who had spent her career in education at Davidson Elementary School and Bailey Middle School, served for three years as the first Executive Director. Jake Jacobs has served as the Executive Director since 2016, and under his leadership the organization has continued to grow. Allyson Ray was named the first Assistant Executive Director in 2023 after serving for seven years on the DavidsonLearns Board.

The success of DavidsonLearns comes from a community-wide collaboration of talent and commitment.  Instructors who donate their time to create intellectually stimulating classes are at the core of the organization. Other key components are active volunteer board members and committee members as well as community partners who provide classroom space.

The intellectually challenging courses offer people the opportunity to meet others in the community. Many who move here want to get involved in their new town, and DavidsonLearns is a great way to meet people with similar interests. As one LLI alumnus puts it: “Come for the classes, stay for the friendships.”

Current Board Members include Lydia Lorenzin (President), Steve Donnell, Jan Harrod (Secretary), Pamela Harris-Young, Polly Kimmel (Treasurer), Tom Leonhardt, Ron Levy, Grace Mitchell, Nina Suddeth, Peter Thorsheim, Mark Washburn, and Don Waters.

Registration for Fall classes begins Monday, August 3, at 10:00 a.m. With the wide variety of classes, you are sure to find something that interests you. For more information, see the DavidsonLearns website.