Transitions abound during the middle adult years. Whether you’re ready to shift the focus of your career, explore a meaningful retirement, deepen your relationships, or discover new purpose and fulfillment, The Midlife Academy at the University of Minnesota is a place to explore what’s next.
The Midlife Academy offers a place to gain clarity, reset priorities, renew purpose, and consider a myriad of possibilities for what’s next. We are building a community for those at midlife and beyond to renew, transform, and chart a course for the future.
The Midlife Academy is designed for those who are:
- Exploring a life or career that offers more meaning and purpose
- Adjusting to shifts in relationships (e.g., empty nest, caregiving)
- Seeking an encore to their careers
- Longing for a renewed sense of direction and inspiration
- Wanting to align their life with their values, strengths and passions
- Yearning to make a difference in their communities
- Exploring alternatives to traditional retirement
- Seeking connection with and learning from a community of peers
If you recognize yourself in any of these, The Midlife Academy is for you!
A Learning Community
Change can be challenging at any stage of life. It’s difficult to know where to begin, and it's easy to get stuck. Learning in a community makes a difference. By connecting with others who are in similar situations and working toward unique but comparable goals, you'll find kindred spirits.
As a community, you can share insights, contribute to collective wisdom, offer support and encouragement, and expand your network as you move forward. This is your time to learn, grow, and flourish—let’s do it together!
Time for Your Next Chapter? Let’s Talk.
Join us in this free, interactive online session and explore how The Midlife Academy helps you reflect, experiment, and find direction, without going it alone. Learn how the program supports adults navigating big life changes, helping them move from uncertainty to clarity through reflection, community, and opportunities to workshop real-life possibilities.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
5:00–6:00 p.m. Central Time
Register for free below
We’ll dig into the questions many people ask about the program:
- What is The Midlife Academy and how can it help you experiment with new directions?
- Why does a supportive group setting make such a difference?
- What themes and outcomes shape each course?
- How do you know when it’s the right time to join?
Meet the team behind The Midlife Academy:
Kate Schaefers, PhD – Director, The Midlife Academy
Megan Voorhees – Course Facilitator, “Cultivating Purpose”
Courtney Burton – Course Facilitator, “Next Chapter Reset: Creating Momentum”
Courses
The Academy is designed specifically for those at midlife. Our short courses provide the tools to unlock the many opportunities that midlife brings. As you explore, you’ll forge meaningful connections with your learning community.
Learn More About The Midlife Academy
Podcasts
Find us also on
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Stories & Webinars
The Team
Contact Us
Have questions? Need assistance? The Midlife Academy Team is here to help! Send us a message or give us a call at 612-625-2900 and we'll get back to you promptly.