Learn more about the College of Education’s behind-the-scenes heroes through our Staff Spotlight series! Meet Andrea Olson, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations.
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Your Role at the College of Education: Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations. Among other things, I manage the scholarship program and maintain relationships with the college’s donors by demonstrating the impact of donor funds and engaging alumni.
How long have you worked at the University of Oregon? This year marks my 20th anniversary at the UO! I started as a classified staff in 2003 and I’ve worked at the College of Education since 2006 and transitioned into the donor relations role for the college in 2012.
Favorite books or movies: Books: Cutting for Stone (Verghese, A), 100 Years of Solitude (Garcia Marquez, G), and Power of One (Courteney, B).
Hobbies: Rafting Oregon’s rivers, traveling, and cooking
What is your favorite thing about your role?
Showing the impact and importance of donor funding to the success of the College of Education’s students and faculty.
What is unique about working at the College of Education?
I get to interact with everyone here! From students, staff, administration, and faculty, to the alumni and donors of the college.
How do you hope your work makes an impact?
I don’t have to hope. I know that my role at the college facilitates positive outcomes for many. From making sure a student is receiving their scholarship award, creating a mechanism for early career faculty to receive funding from private donors, to emailing thousands of donors about the difference their giving makes. My job is all about impact!
What message would you like to share with students considering coming to UO?
For the UO generally, I would say it is a great Division 1 school in a safe and beautiful location with lots of school spirit and a burgeoning tradition of inclusivity. For the COE I would say this is a top-ranked school of education with access to incredible faculty and facilities that will allow you to achieve your academic and professional goals.