Laura Jacobs to Lead Philanthropic Initiatives for University Advancement

Photo by Brandon Ngo

Laura Jacobs

University of Arkansas alumna Laura Jacobs, who has served as chief of staff since 2016, transitioned to the Division of University Advancement as senior director of philanthropic initiatives on Sept. 9. 

In her new role, Jacobs will help lead campuswide fundraising priorities and advancing the student success pillar of the university’s 150 Forward strategic plan.

“I am honored to be returning to my career home in University Advancement, and I am incredibly grateful to Sandy Edwards and Scott Varady for the opportunity to support some of the chancellor’s highest priority projects,” Jacobs said. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the University of Arkansas with so much momentum across every dimension. There are countless ways for people to get involved – and I am eager to work with Vice Chancellor Varady and others on making those connections to advance philanthropic initiatives.” 

Jacobs first joined the university in 1998 with a role in graphic design. She eventually moved into development communications and later served as managing editor of Arkansas magazine and senior director of strategic communications. 

In 2011, Jacobs left the university to serve as the inaugural director of communications at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. She returned in 2014 as associate vice chancellor of university relations before assuming her role as chief of staff. Jacobs also served concurrently as vice chancellor of university relations from 2020-2023.

“Having previously worked with Laura at the university, I know first-hand that her professional experience and leadership skills will benefit the entire Division of Advancement team and enhance our ability to advance our mission to serve our students, the university, and the state of Arkansas,” said Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “With Laura’s talent and ability, we continue to build an elite fundraising organization with dedicated professionals who are committed to the university’s philanthropic initiatives for the benefit of our students. We are all thrilled to welcome Laura, who will help lead these initiatives.”

Jacobs has worked diligently to advance the university’s strategic objectives. Her leadership was instrumental in the success of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century and its successive Campaign Arkansas. Most recently, Jacobs was a key organizer of the U of A’s 150 Forward Strategic plan. She has extensive experience in structuring campaigns and will be an essential partner in shaping future strategies and targeting the university’s ambitious fundraising goals. 

As a Fayetteville native, Jacobs is deeply committed to elevating the Northwest Arkansas community. She has served as a board member for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association and currently serves as vice chair of the Walton Arts Center Council.

At the U of A, Jacobs was previously a member of the Chancellor’s Strategic Operations Group, the Chancellor’s Commission on Women and the Town & Gown Advisory Committee. She previously served on the national board for the Arkansas Alumni Association. Jacobs has taught public relations courses in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and plans to teach a graduate-level course on advancement. She enjoys mentoring students and colleagues and is a member of the Women’s Giving Circle. Jacobs is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. 

Jacobs holds a bachelor's degree in English and communication and both a master’s and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas. She has been recognized by the College of Education and Health Professions with the Outstanding Departmental Alumni Award and as the Graduate and Professional Student Congress Staff Ally of the Year. She and her husband, Cade, also a U of A graduate, have two children, one who is a student at the University of Arkansas.

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.