As a graduate of Kent State University (B.A., Economics and Political Science; M.P.A.) and Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Jera Oliver pursued a career in philanthropy to leverage it as a means for civic engagement and social change.

Jera is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. In her most recent role, which she held for three years, Jera inspired transformative philanthropic investments in the mission of The Ohio State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion as the Senior Director of Development in connection with Scholarship and Student Support in University Advancement. Previously, Jera served as a major gifts fundraiser for over five years in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State. Throughout her tenure in University Advancement at OSU, Jera led or contributed to the acquisition and stewardship of $26 million for the land-grant mission.

On her multifaceted career journey, Jera garnered experience in student affairs as the very first person to hold the International and Graduate Affairs Fellowship (2-year term) within Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law. In this role, which is what brought her to Ohio State, Jera laid the foundation for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) career services program.

Prior to join OSU, Jera supported social services organizations including the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio.