Division of Student Affairs Welcomes Loria Oliver as Director of Development

Photo by Brandon Ngo

Loria Oliver

Loria Oliver has joined the Division of Advancement as director of development for the Division of Student Affairs. Oliver brings over 20 years of fundraising, communications and public relations experience to the University of Arkansas. 

As director of development, Oliver will support the division’s philanthropic objectives and help facilitate the development of transformative student experiences through the strategic oversight and management of fundraising efforts. Through the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential benefactors, Oliver will enable Student Affairs to pursue its mission to promote student well-being, sense of community and success.  

“We are excited to welcome Loria as a member of the team in the Advancement Division,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “She has an exceptional background in successful fundraising efforts, relationship building and entrepreneurial endeavors that make her a great partner and advocate for Student Affairs and the university.”

Oliver is an experienced fundraiser who has spent much of her career in alumni and donor relations, communications and public relations. Oliver joined the university most recently from Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where she served as chief development officer. Prior to that, she held roles as donor relations manager, assistant director of development and donor relations, and director of development for the museum. Oliver began her role at the university on Oct. 28.

“As I embark on this new journey at the University of Arkansas, I am filled with enthusiasm and pride,” said Oliver. “This role presents an exciting opportunity to support students in a multitude of transformative ways. I look forward to working with an amazing team and promoting the well-being and success of our student population.”

Oliver’s career began with various communications and public relations roles in Georgia, New York and Texas. In 2007, she began fundraising as manager of individual giving, memberships and annual fund for The Health Museum in Houston, Texas. Oliver then moved to education as the alumni relations coordinator for the John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Texas.

Oliver relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 2011, when she founded Oliver Wilson Consulting, a boutique public relations and fundraising firm based in Bentonville. Her next endeavor involved the development, manufacturing and distribution of The Tot Tote, a product she patented, marketed and sold as the owner of Turtle Place Brands.

“Loria brings a wealth of experience as a philanthropy professional,” said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for student affairs. “Her experience building relationships with benefactors, managing budgets, leading a team, working collaboratively, and stewarding gifts aligns with division and university priorities in building an environment of student success.”

Oliver holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication and public relations from Clark Atlanta University. She was part of the 2021 class of Celebrate Arkansas Magazine’s “Ones to Watch,” which honors individuals who contribute to the growth and betterment of the region. Oliver is a board member of the Arkansas Methodist Foundation.

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 Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.

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.