Southern Arkansas University has named Jessica Greaves as the new executive director of the Southern Arkansas University Foundation. Greaves’ appointment reflects her strong background in higher education communications, marketing, and operational leadership, as well as her deep commitment to the Magnolia community and SAU’s mission.
The Southern Arkansas University Foundation is a nonprofit organization housed in the Division of Advancement and overseen by a board of governors. The Foundation helps connect the generosity of alumni and friends with the needs of the University by managing scholarships, endowments, and special projects. Through this work, the Foundation makes it possible for students to pursue their goals, for faculty and programs to grow, and for the Mulerider spirit to thrive for generations to come.
In her new role, Greaves will oversee donor and financial stewardship and ensure its efforts advance SAU’s strategic vision. Her leadership will strengthen the Foundation’s ability to serve students, faculty, and staff while deepening engagement with the University community.
“I’m excited to welcome Jessica to the Foundation. Her expertise in communications and dedication to SAU make her ideal for the executive director role. She will do an outstanding job,” noted SAU Vice President for Advancement, Dr. Connie Wilson.
Since 2019, Greaves has served SAU in various leadership capacities, including assistant director of communications and marketing and University videographer. In these roles, she collaborated with executive leadership on high-level messaging and branding strategies, managed departmental budgets, and produced multimedia projects designed to engage diverse audiences across the University community, including prospective students, alumni, athletes, parents, and donors.
Greaves earned a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Social Entrepreneurship from Southern Arkansas University in 2023 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Kinesiology from Ouachita Baptist University (2019). Her commitment to professional development is reflected in her participation in CASE and Ruffalo Noel Levitz conferences, as well as her completion of the Mulerider L.E.A.D. program in 2022–2023.
Her contributions to SAU have been recognized with honors, including the SAU Student Affairs Director’s Choice Award for Professional Growth and the Best Electronic Initiative Award.
“It is such an honor to continue serving Southern Arkansas University in this new role,” Greaves said. “SAU has given so much to me personally and professionally, shaping my career and providing a community that I truly love. Over the past six years, I have seen firsthand how the Foundation’s work transforms generosity into opportunity, not only through scholarships, but also by supporting programs, faculty, and the student experience that make this University so special. I am deeply grateful for the chance to give back to an institution that has given me so much, and I am excited about the future we can create together for SAU and its students.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Greaves is deeply rooted in the Magnolia community. She is a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church, where she serves on the Media and Marketing team. She also contributes her time and expertise as a board member for the Miss Southern Arkansas University Scholarship Competition. Additionally, she spent three years on the SAU Staff Senate, including service on the executive board as Secretary in 2024–2025, and has been a two-year panelist for the University’s Homecoming Court interviews.
Apart from her four years at Ouachita Baptist University for her undergraduate studies, Greaves has lived in Magnolia her entire life. Her personal and professional dedication to SAU and the community reflects her passion for investing in the region’s future.
She has been married to James Greaves since 2021, and together they are raising their two-year-old son, Colton.
About SAU:
SAU, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
