2 key university moves in Fayetteville, Tulsa

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 14 views 

There have been news and moves in university circles affecting campuses in Fayetteville and Tulsa, Okla. Laura Jacobs is leaving the University of Arkansas for the University of Tulsa.

She has been named vice president of strategy and senior advisor to new University of Tulsa President Stacy Leeds, who had worked at the UA as vice chancellor for economic development and dean of the School of Law. Jacobs will join the University of Tulsa on Aug. 3.

Jacobs most recently was senior director of philanthropic initiatives in university advancement at the University of Arkansas. Her career has included roles in strategic communications, executive leadership, institutional planning and philanthropy.

She holds three degrees from the University of Arkansas: a bachelor’s in English and communications, and master’s and doctoral degrees in higher education administration.

She joined the University of Arkansas in 1998 and advanced through a series of leadership positions. Following a period as director of communications for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, she returned to the university as associate vice chancellor.

Jacobs was part of the advancement team leading the $200 million Land of Opportunity Scholarship initiative. Since the campaign’s launch, the university has secured approximately $140 million toward its goal. Jacobs’ successor, Loria Oliver, has also been named. Oliver will become senior director of philanthropic initiatives, effective Aug. 3. She will lead the next phase of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship initiative. Oliver joined UA in October 2024 as director of development for Student Affairs.

Oliver brings more than two decades of advancement, communications and philanthropic leadership experience to her new role. Before joining the university, she was 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.