Loria Oliver to Lead Next Phase of Land of Opportunity Scholarship Campaign

The U of A has named Loria Oliver senior director of philanthropic initiatives, effective Aug. 3. In this role, she will lead the next phase of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship initiative, the university's landmark effort to expand educational opportunity for Arkansas students and strengthen the state's workforce and economy.

"The Land of Opportunity Scholarship is creating life-changing opportunities for students across Arkansas, and I'm honored to help continue that work," Oliver said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to build on the incredible momentum already underway and work alongside our generous supporters and partners to expand opportunity for even more students.”

Oliver joined the U of A in October 2024 as director of development for Student Affairs. During her first year at the U of A, Oliver exceeded fundraising goals while helping establish new fundraising priorities, expanding volunteer engagement and cultivating philanthropic support for scholarships, student wellbeing and student success.

"Loria has built new connections for our division that resulted in true, student-centered partnerships," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for student affairs. "Her heart for serving students was evident in her incredible desire to support the numerous programs, services and scholarships we provide. Our ability to support students in persisting in their education through direct scholarships and meeting students' basic needs has increased because of Loria's ability to tell our story to friends of the university.”

Oliver succeeds Laura Jacobs, who joined the Division of University Advancement in 2024 to help lead the university's $200 million Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign. Since the campaign's launch, the university has secured more than $140 million toward its goal of creating support for Arkansas students with financial need.

"It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to serve my alma mater in so many different capacities over the past 25 years," Jacobs said. "I leave proud of what we've accomplished, the people we've served and the momentum the university has built for the future. I'm deeply grateful for the colleagues, mentors and leaders who have shaped my career, especially my University Advancement teammates and Vice Chancellor Scott Varady, for their unwavering encouragement and support." 

Laura Jacobs

Jacobs joined the U of A in 1998 as a graphic designer in University Relations and steadily advanced through a series of leadership positions, including manager of development communications, editor of ARKANSAS magazine and director of communications. Following a period as director of communications for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, she returned to the university as associate vice chancellor for University Relations. In 2016, Jacobs was appointed chief of staff to the chancellor, where she provided leadership for a broad portfolio that included the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance and Title IX, the Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, and University Relations. She also co-led the university's response during the COVID-19 pandemic and led the development of 150 Forward, the university's strategic plan that established the institutional pillars of student success, research excellence and employer of choice. She concludes her U of A career after 25 years of distinguished service and lasting contributions to the institution and its students.

"Laura has been an exceptional leader and trusted adviser whose influence can be found across nearly every corner of the university," Varady said. "Throughout her career, she has combined strategic vision with thoughtful leadership, helping guide major institutional initiatives while building strong relationships across campus and beyond. We congratulate her and wish her every success.”

Oliver brings more than two decades of advancement, communications and philanthropic leadership experience to her new role. Before joining the U of A, she served as chief development officer for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Throughout her career, she has held advancement and communications leadership roles spanning higher education, museums, nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurship.

"Since joining the university, Loria has expanded philanthropic support for programs that enhance the student experience while cultivating new relationships and partnerships that strengthen support for students," Varady said. "Her commitment to student success, collaborative approach and ability to bring people together position her well to build on the strong foundation Laura Jacobs established and lead the Land of Opportunity Scholarship initiative into its next chapter."

Oliver earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication and public relations from Clark Atlanta University. She serves on the Rogers Public Library Foundation Board, the Arkansas Methodist Foundation Board and is a member of the U of A's Women's Giving Circle.