Senior Scholars offers a wide variety of classes every year to fit all interests, including courses in: history, studio arts & handicrafts, recreation & leisure, health & wellness, languages & writing, and much more! While we will have some reoccurring classes, others are only offered one time.

For a detailed list of our current offerings, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Like Berry College, Senior Scholars offers two full semesters of courses every year. For the 2025-2026 year, the Fall Semester courses will begin the week of September 15th and the Spring Semester courses will begin the week of February 16th. Most courses are between four and eight weeks in length. We also offer single-day courses and travel opportunities throughout the entire year!

Registration for each semester will open one month before the start of classes. 

For a detailed list of our current class times and offerings, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Senior Scholars courses take place at Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum, the Spires at Berry College, or on the Berry College Campus. See below for maps of each location.

If your class is in the Oak Hill Garden Room or Martha Berry Museum Auditorium, click here.

If your class is at the Spires at Berry College, click here.

If your class is at the Berry College Pickleball Courts or Cage Center, click here.

Do you have a special skill or expertise that you would like to share as part of a Senior Scholars course? We are always looking for new instructors! Course proposals are now open for the 2025-26 year. Please email us at seniorscholars@berry.edu for more information.

Submit your course proposal here.

Do you have a question that wasn't answered here? Call Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum at 706.368.6789 or email us at seniorscholars@berry.edu for more information.

Mondays, September 15 – November 3 (8 weeks) from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Explore over 1,500 years of Georgia’s history through the lens of the sixteen historic sites operated by the Division of State Parks and Historic Sites. Using Jennifer W. Dickey’s book There’s Lots to See in Georgia: A Guide to Georgia’s State Historic Sites, this course will trace the development of the state’s historic site system and highlight the unique stories behind each location. Join us for a journey through Georgia’s past, from ancient Indigenous cultures to Civil War battlefields and beyond.

About the instructor: Dr. Jennifer W. Dickey is a professor of history and coordinator of the public history program and museums at Kennesaw State University. She is the author of A Tough Little Patch of History, A History of the Berry Schools on the Mountain Campus, and co-author of Memories of the Mansion. Her latest book, There's Lots to See in Georgia, highlights the state’s historic sites and reflects her deep commitment to preserving Georgia’s past.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $95

Registration for this course closes on September 7th at midnight.

Tuesdays, September 16 – April 2 (8 weeks) from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join Georgia Backroads magazine editor and publisher Dan Roper in an exploration of Georgia's rich history and natural heritage. The course will touch on a wide range of local events such as the Trail of Tears, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Great Depression, along with stories and lore about Berry College and its surrounding areas. Additionally, the course will explore the natural beauty of Northwest Georgia through discussions on its trails, trees, and wildlife.

About the instructor: Dan Roper is the editor and publisher of Georgia Backroads magazine, a print publication devoted to Georgia history, nature, travel, and lifestyles. He practiced law in Rome from 1986 to 2005, and also has backgrounds in forestry, history, and writing. Since coming to Rome, he has taught in several capacities at Berry College – including serving as a regular instructor for Senior Scholars!

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $95

Registration for this course closes on September 8th at midnight.

Fridays, September 19 – November 14 (8 weeks) from 3:00pm – 4:00pm (No class on October 10)

What does it mean to live a spiritual life? This reflective course invites participants to explore the world’s religious and mystical traditions while also engaging in personal spiritual practice. Through readings, lectures, and group discussions, participants will examine diverse beliefs, share their own experiences, and be encouraged to keep a journal to record insights and reflections throughout the course. All are welcome, regardless of background or belief.

About the instructor: Dr. Jeff Lidke has been a professor of religious studies at Berry College for over two decades and is a returning instructor for Senior Scholars. He specializes in South Asian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and serves as chair of the Interfaith Council. In addition to his academic work, he leads a meditation group and teaches Taiji Quan, reflecting his holistic approach to spiritual and cultural education.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $95

Registration for this course closes on September 11th at midnight.

Wednesdays, October 1 – October 8 (2 weeks) from 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Discover the fascinating story of Georgia’s founding as Great Britain’s final—and most unique—American colony. This two-part lecture series will explore the colony’s first 20 years, focusing on its charter, founders, funding, and the unusual rules that shaped its early society and economy. Learn how Georgia’s distinct beginnings set it apart from other colonies and left a lasting impact on its development.

About the instructor: Donald Casey has been a lifelong history nut. He has taught 8th grade Georgia History for 30 years. While working on his bachelor’s degree in history and education, he worked at New Echota State Historic Site in Calhoun, Georgia. He has a master’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus on History and has an Educational Specialist in Teaching and Learning.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $45

Registration for this course closes on September 23rd at midnight.

Wednesday, October 1 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm

How did words and ideas lead to one of history’s darkest chapters? This lecture from the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University explores the rise of Nazi ideology through propaganda, discriminatory laws, and personal testimony. Participants will trace the path from antisemitic rhetoric to the Final Solution, encountering powerful stories from Holocaust survivors along the way. This program offers a compelling look at how language and choices shaped the Holocaust—and how they continue to matter today.

About the instructor: Katy Matello is the University and Adult Education Coordinator at the Museum of History and Holocaust Education. She holds a BA in History Education from Kennesaw State University and a MA in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College. Her research focuses on resistance during the Holocaust, and she has published a chapter titled “Professions of Life: Social Welfare Professionals as Rescuers during the Holocaust.” She brings a deep commitment to education and public history to her work.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $16

Registration for this course closes on September 23rd at midnight.

Wednesday, November 19 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Even in the darkest times, people found ways to resist. This lecture highlights the courageous actions of Jewish rescuers and others who defied Nazi oppression during the Holocaust. Based on the Museum of History and Holocaust Education’s exhibit Save One Life: Jewish Rescuers During the Holocaust, the program explores both armed and unarmed resistance through survivor testimony and historical analysis. Participants will reflect on the many forms resistance can take—and what it means to stand up in the face of injustice.

About the instructor: Katy Matello is the University and Adult Education Coordinator at the Museum of History and Holocaust Education. She holds a BA in History Education from Kennesaw State University and a MA in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College. Her research focuses on resistance during the Holocaust, and she has published a chapter titled “Professions of Life: Social Welfare Professionals as Rescuers during the Holocaust.” She brings a deep commitment to education and public history to her work.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $16

Registration for this course closes on November 11th at midnight.

Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 2:30pm on the following dates: September 16, September 30, October 14, October 28, November 11, and November 18 (6 sessions)

Memories are some of the most important things we collect in this life. What we have done, what we have seen and experienced, and the epiphanies we have gathered shape who we are and, in turn, shape others we encounter. This course will help you begin capturing your life’s most meaningful moments through guided writing exercises that draw on the five senses to spark memory. Whether you want to share your story with others or keep it for yourself, you’ll learn how to shape your experiences into compelling narratives. This course is designed for first-time Write Your Life students.

About the instructor: Melissa King directs the Berry College Writing Center and lectures in the English, Rhetoric and Writing department. She has enjoyed guiding Senior Scholars courses over the past five years, bringing her passion for writing and communication into the classroom. Her work supports students across disciplines, and she is dedicated to fostering strong writing skills and a love of language in learners of all ages.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $115

Registration for this course closes on September 8th at midnight.

Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 2:30pm on the following dates: September 18, October 2, October 16, October 30, November 13, and November 20 (6 sessions)

If you’ve taken previous Write Your Life courses, this class will help you take the next step: shaping your writing into a cohesive collection. Through guided prompts and peer support, you’ll add new material, revise existing pieces, and begin organizing your work into a book. Whether you’re writing for publication or personal legacy, this course offers the structure and encouragement to move your project forward.

About the instructor: Melissa King directs the Berry College Writing Center and lectures in the English, Rhetoric and Writing department. She has enjoyed guiding Senior Scholars courses over the past five years, bringing her passion for writing and communication into the classroom. Her work supports students across disciplines, and she is dedicated to fostering strong writing skills and a love of language in learners of all ages.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $115

Registration for this course closes on September 10th at midnight.

Thursdays, September 18 – October 23 (6 weeks) from 10:00am – 11:30am

Already know a little Spanish but want to feel more confident speaking and understanding it on your own? This course is designed to bridge the gap between beginner and intermediate levels. Students will build conversational skills through peer interaction, authentic reading materials, and light grammar instruction focused on enhancing verbal communication. Come ready to speak, listen, and grow your confidence in Spanish!

About the instructor: Cheryl M. Fitzner holds a B.A. from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, an M.A.T. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and an Ed.S. from the University of Alabama. Initially reluctant to teach, she discovered a passion for the teaching/learning process and has since taught Spanish, English, Special Ed., reading, Latin, World Geography, ESL, and adult education. Cheryl has taught with Senior Scholars for several years and continues to find joy in both educating and learning from her students.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $100

Registration for this course closes on September 10th at midnight.

Mondays, September 15 – November 11 (8 weeks) from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
(No class on October 13)

Experience yoga at a slower and less intense pace while learning how to use props (blocks, straps, chairs) to build your personal practice. Each class will begin with grounding breath work before practicing gentle yoga poses. Poses are held between 5-10 seconds each and have a variety of options to accommodate all skill levels. This course invites students of all levels to join her for a meditative hour of peaceful and restorative practice. Students will need to come dressed in clothing that allows for free range of motion. Providing your own yoga mat is encouraged but not required.

About the instructor: Jennifer Bressette is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She has practiced yoga for over a decade and teaches at the YMCA, as well as doing fundraising yoga classes for PAWS.

Location: The Spires at Berry College Fitness Center (600 Eagle Lake Trail NW, Rome, GA)
Cost: $85

Registration for this course closes on September 7th at midnight.

Thursdays, September 25 – November 13 (8 weeks) from 10:00am – 11:00am

This beginner-friendly class will focus on the fundamentals of ballroom dancing such as musicality, body movement, foot placement, posture, and balance. Each week will focus on a variety of Smooth (standard) and Rhythm (Latin) ballroom dance styles. Some classes may build on the skills learned in the previous class. Join the instructor to learn basic ballroom styles, steps, and movements to your favorite songs! You'll be ready to show off your new moves at your next big event in no time! No previous experience or partner is necessary. Come dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in.

About the instructor: Cris DeRevere grew up dancing in Rome, GA at two local dance studios. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. She was also on a youth competitive dance team. After graduation, she moved to UGA and began teaching hip-hop and ballet at UGA and joined the UGA Ballroom Performance Group. She served as the PR Coordinator for UGA BPG for one year before taking over the presidency. She was also a member of the UGA Tango Club and Athens Latin Salsa Club. Today, she still dances socially. This will be her second semester teaching with us for Senior Scholars.

Location: The Cage Center at Berry College
Cost: $80

Registration for this course closes on September 17th at midnight.

Tuesdays, September 223 – November 11 (8 weeks) from 10:00am – 11:00am

Take your ballroom dancing to the next level! This class builds on the fundamentals introduced in the beginner course, with continued focus on musicality, posture, footwork, and rhythm. Each week will explore a mix of Smooth (standard) and Rhythm (Latin) styles. No partner is required, but prior experience or completion of the beginner class is recommended. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow you to move with ease – and get ready to dance!

About the instructor: Cris DeRevere grew up dancing in Rome, GA at two local dance studios. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. She was also on a youth competitive dance team. After graduation, she moved to UGA and began teaching hip-hop and ballet at UGA and joined the UGA Ballroom Performance Group. She served as the PR Coordinator for UGA BPG for one year before taking over the presidency. She was also a member of the UGA Tango Club and Athens Latin Salsa Club. Today, she still dances socially. This will be her second semester teaching with us for Senior Scholars.

Location: The Cage Center at Berry College
Cost: $80

Registration for this course closes on September 15th at midnight.

Wednesday, October 29 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Conflict is a part of life—but it doesn’t have to be destructive. This course introduces practical tools for resolving conflict through effective negotiation and joint problem-solving. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, engage in role-play exercises, and reflect on their own communication styles. Whether at work, home, or in everyday interactions, you’ll gain skills to navigate conflict with confidence and empathy.

About the instructor: Dr. Eric Kushins is an Associate Professor of Management at Berry College, where he teaches undergraduate and MBA courses in human resources and negotiations. He holds a joint Ph.D. in Sociology and Management from Rutgers University, and his research explores topics ranging from hiring discrimination to family influence in Chinese manufacturing. In addition to his academic work, he consults widely and has trained hundreds in Lean Six Sigma practices.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $25

Registration for this course closes on October 21st at midnight.

Wednesday, October 8 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Don’t take the bait! This course will teach you how to recognize and avoid phishing scams and other forms of online deception. Learn the common tactics used by scammers, how to protect your personal information, and what to do if you suspect a scam. Stay safe and informed in today’s digital world!

About the instructor: Daniel Boyd is a thirty-year veteran of information technology and security, all of which he has spent serving Berry College in various roles. He currently serves as Director of Information Security, where he focuses on helping users recognize and avoid scams through emails, texts, websites, and phone calls. His work combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to user education and digital safety.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $20

Registration for this course closes on September 30th at midnight.

Wednesday, October 15 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of sushi-making! In this hands-on class, participants will choose from a variety of fillings and learn how to roll, cut, and display their own sushi creations. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and appetite for creativity. All supplies are included in the cost of the course. Participants will bring home their sushi to enjoy – unless they decide to eat it in class!

About the instructor: Chef Shawn Lawrence is the executive chef at Berry College where he develops and executes culinary solutions to meet students’ needs and tastes. He has worked at Berry for 2 years, and in higher education since 2013. He enjoys cooking and eating Indian Cuisine, especially curry. Shawn is also a proud husband, father, and Carolina Panthers fan.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $40

Registration for this course closes on October 5th at midnight.

Wednesday, November 5 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Create a beautiful and delicious crudité board in this interactive class. Participants will learn how to prepare and display a variety of fresh vegetables and make homemade hummus from scratch. All supplies are included in the cost of the course. Participants will bring home their completed crudité boards – unless they decide to eat it in class!

About the instructor: Chef Shawn Lawrenc is the executive chef at Berry College where he develops and executes culinary solutions to meet students’ needs and tastes. He has worked at Berry for 2 years, and in higher education since 2013. He enjoys cooking and eating Indian Cuisine, especially curry. Shawn is also a proud husband, father, and Carolina Panthers fan.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $30

Registration for this course closes on October 26th at midnight.

Wednesday, November 19 from 10:00am - 11:30am

A Southern classic, the pound cake is a showstopper at any gathering. In this engaging demonstration-style course, you’ll watch as an experienced baker walks you through simple, foolproof techniques for creating a moist, flavorful pound cake that’s perfect for holidays or everyday celebrations. You’ll gain valuable insights into each step of the process - from mixing to baking to finishing touches - so you can confidently recreate this “centerpiece cake.” And of course, no pound cake session would be complete without a taste test! Participants will enjoy a sample of the finished cake and will leave with a recipe they can try at home.

About the instructor: Valerie Holt is a former home economics teacher and a Berry College graduate from the class of 1985. Before entering education, she competed nationally in culinary contests such as the Pillsbury Bake-Off and the National Beef Cook-Off. She has authored two local cookbooks and, since retiring from public schools in 2021, has continued her passion for teaching at the college level, sharing her love of cooking and community.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $20

Registration for this course closes on November 11th at midnight.

Wednesday, December 3 from 10:00am – 11:30am

There’s more to the perfect chocolate chip cookie than meets the eye! In this demonstration-style course, you’ll observe as a skilled baker explores the ingredients, techniques, and baking tips that make all the difference - from choosing the right flour and butter to mastering baking time and texture. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to create cookies that are perfect for gifting - or keeping all to yourself. Participants will enjoy a sample of the instructor’s “perfect” cookie and will leave with a recipe and tips they can try at home!

About the instructor: Valerie Holt is a former home economics teacher and a Berry College graduate from the class of 1985. Before entering education, she competed nationally in culinary contests such as the Pillsbury Bake-Off and the National Beef Cook-Off. She has authored two local cookbooks and, since retiring from public schools in 2021, has continued her passion for teaching at the college level, sharing her love of cooking and community.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $20

Registration for this course closes on November 24th at midnight.

Tuesday, December 16 and Thursday, December 19 (2 sessions) from 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Build your own festive gingerbread house in this fun and creative class! Using a kit as a base, you’ll learn how to make and apply royal icing, add decorative details, and keep your structure stable. Whether you’re decorating for display or for dessert, you’ll leave with a finished gingerbread house and new decorating skills. All supplies are included in the cost of the course.

About the instructor: Julie Allison worked in a bakery for nearly 12 years, where she created wedding cakes, birthday cakes, gingerbread houses, and catered events. During that time, she also ran a cottage bakery from her home and taught cake decorating classes as a certified Wilton instructor. A two-time winner of the Krannert Gingerbread Contest at Berry College, she now serves on the planning committee and contributes exposition pieces to the event.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $65

Registration for this course closes on December 8th at midnight.

Friday, October 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Come take an educational walk with Tennessee Valley Authority botanist John Shelton-Sarabia as you look at common and uncommon plants alike on Berry College’s Victory Lake Trail. Bring appropriate footwear, water, and sun/bug spray for an exciting talk about native plants in the southeast and historically rare or interesting plants seen in Berry College and Northern Georgia. Victory Lake Trail is approximately 2 miles in length. It has a mostly even, gravel path.

About the instructor: John Shelton-Sarabia is the rare plants biologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with over a decade of experience in botany. He holds a biology degree from Austin Peay State University and a master’s in environmental science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His background includes plant diversity, GIS, and Southeastern U.S. ecology. He has taught plant taxonomy and led wildflower hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains as part of the annual Wildflower Pilgrimage.

Location: Meet at the base of Victory Lake Trail. A map will be sent out prior to the start of the course.
Cost: $20

Registration for this course closes on September 25th at midnight.

Friday, October 25 from 10:00 am – 12:00pm

Sitting atop Lavender Mountain at the back of the Berry College campus, the House o’ Dreams was built in 1922 as a gift to Martha Berry on the 20th anniversary of the Berry Schools. Join an Oak Hill docent for a tour of the house to learn more about its history and to enjoy the superb view of the campus. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate uneven paths and sweeping hills.

Location: Meet at The Martha Berry Museum (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA). Participants will be asked to drive their own vehicles and will caravan with museum staff up to the House o’ Dreams.
Cost: $18

Registration for this course closes on October 16th at midnight.

Friday, November 21 from 10:00 am – 11:30am

The Possum Trot Church, located at the back of the Berry College campus, was built originally around 1830 and used by Martha Berry for her Sunday School starting in 1900. During this tour, you will be invited inside the original chapel and the three 1930s classroom buildings and will learn about how the Possum Trot Church and adjacent Shelton Family Cemetery fit into the overall history of Floyd County and Berry College. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate uneven paths and historic stairways.

Location: Meet at The Martha Berry Museum (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA). Participants will be asked to drive their own vehicles and will caravan with museum staff to Possum Trot.
Cost: $18

Registration for this course closes on November 13th at midnight.