Who’s “we”? Carol Osborne and Kelli Barker. We were the Director and Assistant Director of Coastal Carolina University’s Academic Outreach division, and thus responsible for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) there until July of 2020. When the university suspended that program and eradicated our department, we retired after working for the university for close to twenty years. Knowing that the pandemic had hit our OLLI family hard, we decided to create a lifelong learning program of our own for the fall semester, and under the umbrella of a local non-profit, Neighbor to Neighbor, we offered 150 online classes, clubs, and virtual excursions to 162 enthusiastic and dedicated adults, located both here in South Carolina and elsewhere. In fact, some of our instructors taught from overseas: Turkey, London, and Scotland! In December 2020, we made the leap to starting our own business, confident that we could offer more efficient service and a better experience for our students by doing so.

Kelli Barker has the most experience in lifelong learning, having worked in CCU’s outreach programs for nineteen years. A military brat, she was well-prepared for the constantly shifting environment that is academia and maintained a positive outlook throughout her career. The relationships she built during that time, strengthened by her kind-hearted nature, have guaranteed a large and effective network of supporters who have assisted tremendously in the formation of the SALT program.

Carol Osborne spent the first twelve years of her career as a high school English teacher in Virginia Beach. After pursuing a Ph.D. in English, she then taught English and English Education courses first at Murray State University and then at Coastal Carolina University. After being promoted to full professor, she served as Associate Dean in the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts before becoming director of Academic and Community Outreach.

What’s Next? Senior Adventures in Learning and Travel (SALT), LLC is now the official name of our business, but you can call us by the acronym SALT. Our advisory committee is chaired by Ellen Jampole, who worked with us at OLLI as instructor and administrative specialist. The committee consists of Kofie Montgomery, Sheila Rudesill, Paula Holt, Sue Keller, Kris Szepanski, and Leslie Graves. We offer online and in-person classes and clubs and local, regional, national, and international excursions.

While we both have serious sides, we don’t mind making fools out of ourselves for the entertainment of our students, so we’ve included a video from December’s Holiday Fun event for your amusement below. Next to that video is a copy of Diane DeVaughn Stokes’ interview with us in July of 2022.

Read "Women In Business - Senior Adventures In Learning And Travel" - Click Here

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Testimonials

When I discovered SALT and read their mission, I immediately joined up. I particularly enjoy the day trips. They travel to very interesting local spots that I probably wouldn’t take the initiative to explore on my own. For a nominal fee, SALT takes care of transportation, parking, any fees or tickets, excellent guides and moderators, and fun new places for food. They also provide excellent companionship on the trips. What more could one ask for? 

I have always heard the phrase "use it or lose it" with regards to our brains as we age. SALT is my insurance against that, whether it be Chewing the Fat, where I join discussions on a multitude of timely topics; art classes, which allow my creative juices to flow; or book clubs, which broaden my horizons. Whether I'm dining out or having a hilarious time with Fun With Friends, my brain cells get a workout, I meet a group of new friends, and have a wonderful time doing so! 

I love both the in-person and online SALT classes. The instructors are great, and they are usually very interactive. Some of my favorite online courses are Chew the Fat and Fun & Games. I also enjoy the travel courses to help me decide my next adventure.  The local and overnight trips are always well planned, fun, and often educational. The people I have met with SALT are the best, both kind and fun. It is a wonderful organization that I am glad I found.