Continuing Education Opportunities at the University of Evansville

The University of Evansville (UE) provides a diverse array of continuing education programs designed to cater to adults, working professionals, and children. These programs, offered through USI Outreach and Engagement, encompass Lifelong Learning courses and customized training solutions, all aimed at fostering personal and professional growth within the community.

Lifelong Learning Courses: Education for All

Lifelong Learning courses at UE are accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of their educational background. These courses are presented in an informal, non-competitive atmosphere where the primary focus is the interest in learning. Many of these courses qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs), adding value for professionals seeking to enhance their credentials. USI alumni may also benefit from an alumni discount when enrolling in these courses, although some exceptions may apply.

Customized Training Solutions

The Center for the Advancement of Learning at UE offers customized training solutions tailored to enhance the skills of employees. These solutions are designed to meet specific needs and are delivered in a format that best suits the team. By providing targeted training, the Center helps organizations improve their workforce's capabilities and achieve their strategic goals.

Featured Courses and Workshops

UE's continuing education programs cover a wide range of topics, from arts and humanities to leadership and STEM. Here are some examples of the courses and workshops available:

Thursday Night Throw Down: Pottery Workshop

This four-week pottery workshop is designed for adults of all skill levels. Under the instruction of Drs., students will complete several projects and leave with finished pieces they created themselves. The workshop takes place at the Art Annex on Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues.

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Leadership Coaching: Developing Employees

Leadership coaching is an effective approach to developing employees through customized development plans, setting expectations, providing regular feedback, and having one-on-one conversations. A 10% discount is available to organizations sending six or more participants. The instructor for this workshop is Dr. Timothy A. (Tad) Dickel, the Executive in Residence in Leadership and the Faculty Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at the University of Evansville. He is also the President of T.A. The location is the J. Henry Schroeder Boardroom, Library Second Floor.

Leading Change: Successfully Implementing Change

Leaders play a critical role in ensuring that change is successfully implemented. This workshop, instructed by Dr. Timothy A. (Tad) Dickel, explores strategies for leading change effectively. Dr. Dickel serves as the Executive in Residence in Leadership and the Faculty Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at the University of Evansville. In addition, he is the President of T.A. The location is Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center.

Delegation: Empowering Teams

Delegation is a critical leadership skill that empowers teams, builds capacity, and allows leaders to focus on what matters most. This practical workshop explores how to delegate effectively by matching tasks to team strengths, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring accountability. The instructor is Dr. Timothy A. (Tad) Dickel, and the location is Eykamp Hall, Room 252, Ridgway University Center.

The Children of Henry VIII: A Historical Perspective

Henry VIII’s reign was a pivotal moment in English history. Henry VIII had four children, three of whom served as king and queens of England. His influence of government extends to today. But it was his children that truly changed the course of English and world history. We will take a look at their youth, their relationships with Henry and his wives, and how their early lives impacted their reigns. Danielle Williams, a librarian at the University of Evansville, instructs this course, which takes place in Room 209, University Library.

The Shelleys: A Literary Love Story

The Shelleys were a literary-power couple of the 19th century with a passionate love story that ended in tragedy. This class will take a literary journey with them from their first tryst in 1814 on the grave of Mary’s famous feminist mother, Mary Wallstonecraft, to the shores of the Italian coast where Percy’s body washes up in 1822. In 1818, Mary Shelley would write Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus, often regarded today as science fiction. In fact, this masterpiece fits into the Romantic Movement and interacts with Percy’s ideas about the purpose of poetry. “Poetry is indeed something divine. It is at once the centre and circumference of knowledge; it is that which comprehends all science, and that to which all science must be referred” Percy writes in 1821, just months before his accidental death at sea. These words appear in his manifesto “A Defence of Poetry,” published posthumously by Mary in 1840 with a preface authored by her. Dr. Sara Petrosillo, who received her BA in English and Italian Literature from Colby College, and her PhD in English from the University of California, Davis, instructs this course in Room 203, University Library.

Biomechanics: Understanding Human Motion

Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems, offering valuable insights into how the human body moves with efficiency and purpose. This course is designed for individuals interested in deepening their understanding of the physics behind everyday motion. Dr. Jerad Kosek, who earned both his master’s and PhD in Kinesiology from Auburn University, instructs this course in Room 203, University Library.

STEM for Lifelong Learners

This course offers an engaging, hands-on introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designed for lifelong learners. Participants will explore cutting-edge innovations in the UE IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio (funded by Toyota’s Driving Possibilities) and across campus, including robotics, 3D printing, and smart devices. The course emphasizes fun, collaboration, and practical applications, making STEM approachable and relevant for everyday life. Instructors include Mr. Jared Turney and Adison White.

Introduction to Mahjong

This interactive course introduces participants to the game of Mahjong in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. Designed for those with little to no experience, the course will cover the basic rules, tile recognition, game setup, and strategies for casual play. Each session will include guided instruction followed by hands-on practice. The benefits of Mahjong are more than just cute tiles and a fun game night, however. Dei, et al. (2025) conducted a study of analyzing the association between playing cards or mahjong in Chinese adults 65 years and older and found that those who played cards or Mahjong daily or once a week had a significantly lower mortality risk compared to those who never played. All materials will be provided, including mahjong set-ups. No outside readings required. Paige Baumann, Kacie Seibert, and Briana Alvey are the instructors. The location is Room 71, Schroeder School of Business Building.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: An Exploration

Ernest Hemingway said that “all modern American literature” comes from one book: Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). His fellow Nobel laureate Toni Morrison referred to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as an “amazing, troubling book.” In our five sessions, we will explore what makes the novel so enduring; what makes it amazing, while not shying away from what makes it troubling. This course will accept Twain’s challenges to tackle issues of race, class, religion, geography, American history, justice, and morality. This course will be a discussion-based engagement with the novel, welcoming to anyone with curiosity about the topic. Previous experience reading Mark Twain is completely unnecessary. Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Norton Critical Edition. 3rd Ed. Mark Twain. Dr. Mark Cirino is Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Evansville, where he has taught since 2007. He hosts the Ernest Hemingway Society-sponsored program One True Podcast. The location is Room 71, Schroeder School of Business Building.

Move Smarter, Feel Younger, Live Freer: Feldenkrais Method

Discover how gentle, mindful movement can transform how you feel and function. Learn to move smarter - with less effort and more awareness. Notice how you feel younger as tension eases and agility returns. And ultimately, live freer - with comfort, confidence, and ease in everything you do. No experience needed. Cody Remaklus is a Feldenkrais practitioner, musician, and educator. The location is Room 71, Schroeder School of Business Building.

Understanding the Modern World

This course is an attempt to examine, explain and understand the Modern World. We will be using a text with multiple short sources that put the modern world into an appropriate and convincing context, and which forces us to think about the world from many different perspectives. Required materials/readings for the course: Robert B. Dr. James MacLeod chairs the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change at UE.

Instructors and Their Expertise

The University of Evansville's continuing education programs are led by experienced instructors with diverse backgrounds and expertise. These instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for all participants.

Dr. Timothy A. (Tad) Dickel: Executive in Residence in Leadership and Faculty Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at the University of Evansville.
Danielle Williams: Librarian at the University of Evansville.
Dr. Sara Petrosillo: Holds a PhD in English from the University of California, Davis, and focuses on medieval literature and feminism.
Dr. Jerad Kosek: Earned his master’s and PhD in Kinesiology from Auburn University, with research spanning biomechanics in athletes and gait analysis.
Mr. Jared Turney: Assistant Professor in the School of Education and Lilly Grant Coordinator for Science of Reading Implementation.
Adison White: Driving Possibilities Design & Innovation STEM Education Coordinator for the University of Evansville.
Paige Baumann, Kacie Seibert, and Briana Alvey: Nursing professors at the University of Evansville and founding members of the Haute Bam Mahjong Society.
Dr. Mark Cirino: Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Evansville.
Cody Remaklus: A Feldenkrais practitioner, musician, and educator.
Dr. James MacLeod: Chairs the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change at UE.

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