As the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt prepares for a new chapter, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of two individuals who have been key to OLLI’s success. Norma Clippard, director of OLLI, and Chandra Allison, senior program coordinator, will both retire at the end of this year, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.
Honoring Norma and Chandra
Norma Clippard’s nearly 25 years of leadership at OLLI have been marked by vision, creativity and a strong commitment to building an inclusive community among adult learners. Under Norma’s direction, OLLI grew into a dynamic educational hub for adults over 50 in the greater Nashville area, offering enriching courses, events and trips.
Norma’s ability to recruit top-notch instructors and create memorable learning experiences has set OLLI apart. From establishing the popular OLLI Steel Band to guiding the institute through the challenges of the pandemic, Norma’s leadership has consistently uplifted the OLLI community. Her colleagues describe her as authentic, compassionate and the true “glue” that holds the community together.
Chandra Allison’s nearly 30-year career at Vanderbilt has been defined by her reliability, calm demeanor and tireless work ethic. Since joining OLLI in 2018, she has been the behind-the-scenes powerhouse that keeps everything running smoothly. Colleagues admire her ability to handle any situation with grace and her unwavering commitment to supporting the OLLI community.
Whether organizing events or managing day-to-day operations, Chandra’s steady presence has been invaluable. Her dedication and positive spirit have earned her widespread respect and admiration within the Vanderbilt community.
Seeking OLLI’s Next Director
As we celebrate the legacies of Norma and Chandra, we are also excited to announce the search for the next Director of OLLI at Vanderbilt. This role presents a unique opportunity for someone passionate about lifelong learning to build on the strong foundation they’ve created. The new director will lead efforts to engage and inspire the OLLI community while continuing to provide high-quality educational and cultural experiences.
Norma and Chandra’s retirements mark the end of an era, but their contributions will continue to resonate within OLLI and beyond. We invite you to join us in honoring their service and spreading the word about this exciting leadership opportunity. We will begin accepting applications for Chandra’s role in the coming weeks.
For more information about the Director position or to apply, please visit the official job posting.
As we honor the past, we look forward to a bright future for OLLI at Vanderbilt, carrying forward the spirit of community and learning that Norma and Chandra have so beautifully embodied.