About| LifeLong Learning Organization| San Marcos| History| Officers

Vision: San Marcos-area adults enjoy

informative, stimulating, social learning experiences.

Mission: Provide free and low-cost experiences for San Marcos-area adults

to explore, question, learn, and engage with others.

Embracing Henry Ford’s adage that “anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80,” Marianne Reese launched LifeLong Learning - San Marcos (LLL-smtx) in 2014 to ensure adults can participate in courses, lectures, and other learning opportunities.

LLL-smtx is a 501(c)(3) education non-profit whose mission is to provide accessible no-cost/low-cost experiences for San Marcos-area adults to explore, question, learn, and engage with others. LLL-smtx is an organization of volunteers governed by an Advisory Council, whose members are listed below.

LLL-smtx offerings are presented in partnership with the San Marcos Public Library and San Marcos Parks and Recreation as well as other local venues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, LLL-smtx successfully moved to on-line learning, drawing participants from throughout Central Texas and several states. Current offerings are now a mix of in-person and on-line learning.

LLL-smtx does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations.

Advisory Council

Founder: Dr. Marianne Reese

Marianne remains the heart and soul of LifeLong Learning - San Marcos. She is a life-long educator, serving in public schools as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and superintendent. At Texas State University, Marianne taught courses in the Educational Leadership program and retired as chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Marianne was honored by the University as Associate Professor Emerita of Educational Administration.

Marianne founded LifeLong Learning in 2014 and worked tirelessly to fill the void of opportunities in San Marcos for adult learners. She successfully created a community of lifelong learners that shares a sense of purpose and experiences together moments of curiosity, discovery, and joy. In recognition of her outstanding service to San Marcos, she received the 2026 Senior Citizen Volunteer Award and is a 2026 inductee into the San Marcos Women’s Hall of Fame.

CLICK HERE for a message from Marianne about the origin of LifeLong Learning and the transition to a new director.

Director: Stephanie Korcheck
Stephanie became director of LifeLong Learning in September 2026 after many years of presenting courses and managing communications. With over 30 years of experience in education-related organizations, Stephanie has expertise in policymaking, advocacy, strategic communications, and grant writing. She staffed the Texas Senate Education Committee, helped launch the State Board for Educator Certification, worked for an education policy think tank and other nonprofits, taught in the principal preparation program at Texas State University, and assisted Texas State College of Education faculty in securing funding for their research. Stephanie is an alumna of Manatee (FL) Community College, the University of Notre Dame, and the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. She serves on the San Marcos Police Chief’s Advisory Council.

Associate Director: Becky Duval Reese

Becky taught "How to Look at and Understand Great Art," LifeLong Learning's first-ever course. Becky served as Director of the El Paso Museum of Art from 1991-2005, providing world-class art experiences and promoting community inclusion. Her achievements resulted in a museum nationally recognized for the strength of its collections, its dynamic public programming, and its impressive new building. Becky was inducted into the El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame and received numerous civic awards and honors. She was a board member for UTEP’s Lifelong Learning Institute and has served on The Wittliff Collections’ Advisory Council from 2017-2025.

Jane Hughson

Jane is a long-time San Marcos resident. She graduated from Southwest Texas State University and retired in 2015 after 33 years of employment at Texas State University. Jane has a long history of service to the San Marcos community through her work in both the nonprofit and government sectors. She has served as President of the Heritage Association of San Marcos, Hays County Area Food Bank, and Leadership San Marcos. She served two terms on the San Marcos City Council from 1996-2002, and returned as a council member in 2014. In 2018 she was elected Mayor of San Marcos and is currently in her third term.

Mae Parrish

Mae is a highly skilled real estate agent with nearly 30 years’ experience in residential sales. She is credentialed in property structures, buyer representation, and service to mature adults. Prior to becoming a realtor, Mae worked in television and radio production as well as sales. Her passions are health & fitness and travel, and she is a board member of the Hays County Food Bank. Mae has one daughter and two grandchildren and has lived in San Marcos since 2017.

Marian Stasney

Marian Keith-Stasney received a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, leading to a career in communications technology. Retired from telecommunications, she spends most of her time volunteering and serving the community in various capacities. Marian attended her first LifeLong Learning class in 2018 after moving to San Marcos and has been a devoted participant ever since.

Bob Wallis

Bob retired to San Marcos in 2011 after a 38-year medical career in Houston. His practice years spanned Emergency Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Family Practice. During his last 10 years in Houston, he was a Medical Director for the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. He currently serves on the University of Texas Medical Branch alumni association board of directors.