The University of Tulsa is pleased to announce that Laura Jacobs has been named vice president of strategy and senior advisor to new President Stacy Leeds. Jacobs will officially join UTulsa on Aug. 3.
Jacobs most recently served as 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.
“I am thrilled to join The University of Tulsa under President Leeds’ leadership at such an exciting time. The warmth, enthusiasm and shared sense of optimism for the future is palpable among everyone I’ve met,” Jacobs said. “I’m most looking forward to what I know is going to be a collaborative experience in moving this truly unique institution – that is both in Tulsa and of Tulsa – into the future. I’d like to thank the president for this opportunity and cannot wait to get to know the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of UTulsa.”
Jacobs holds three degrees from the University of Arkansas: a bachelor’s in English and communications as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in higher education administration. She joined the University of Arkansas in 1998 and steadily 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.
“Laura is an unflappable and seasoned leader with an impeccable reputation for her work in higher education and the business community. She has a breadth of experience in strategic communications and is adept in large-scale planning and execution,” said Leeds, who formerly served as dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law and inaugural vice chancellor for economic development.
In 2016, Jacobs was appointed chief of staff to the chancellor, where she provided leadership for a broad portfolio that included the Equal Opportunity and Compliance and Title IX, the Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History and University Relations. She was instrumental in the university’s COVID-19 pandemic response and led development of the university’s strategic plan.
In 2024, Jacobs joined advancement to help lead a $200 million scholarship initiative. Since the campaign’s launch, the university has secured approximately $140 million toward its goal. In addition to her administrative leadership, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses and recently authored a chapter in “Tools and Techniques for Aspiring College Presidents” (2025).
At UTulsa, where she has secured a faculty appointment in Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, Jacobs will serve on Leeds’ executive leadership team to advance institutional priorities, drive campus capacity for innovation, expand partnerships and oversee marketing and communications.