The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) appoints Danielle Harris as its first Major Gifts Development Officer. Learn how this strategic hire will expand support for single-parent students across the state.
Who is the new Development Officer for ASPSF? The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) has appointed Danielle Harris as its first Development Officer of Major Gifts. Harris, an experienced fundraiser with a background in educational advancement, joined the team on June 2 to spearhead philanthropic efforts that support single parents pursuing higher education.
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its growth strategy with the hiring of Danielle Harris. As the organization’s first-ever Development Officer focused on Major Gifts, Harris’s appointment marks a pivotal step toward expanding philanthropic reach and securing the long-term future of single-parent students throughout the state.
Harris officially stepped into her new role on June 2, bringing with her a wealth of experience in donor engagement and a passion for educational progress.
A Strategic Step for Arkansas Families
The creation of the Major Gifts role signals ASPSF’s deepening commitment to sustainable philanthropy. By focusing on high-impact giving, the organization aims to increase the number of scholarships available to single parents, helping them break the cycle of poverty through education.
“I am honored to be the first Major Gifts Officer for ASPSF,” Harris said. “This new role shows ASPSF’s deep commitment to philanthropy, and I’m happy to join a team with such a strong fundraising experience. I look forward to building relationships that help students succeed.”
A Proven Track Record in Education
Harris joins ASPSF from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where she served as the Director of Development for the College of Education and Library Services.
During her tenure at Pittsburg State, she worked closely with alumni and donors to establish scholarships specifically for future teachers. This experience aligns perfectly with ASPSF’s mission to empower single parents through higher education, ensuring they have the resources to complete their degrees and secure family-supporting careers.
A Personal Connection to the Mission
For Harris, the mission of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is personal. Her dedication to non-traditional students stems from watching her own mother navigate the challenges of single parenthood and education.
“Non-traditional students have always had a special place in my heart because of my mother,” Harris shared. “She went back to school for her degree while I was in high school, all while navigating a divorce. I saw firsthand how difficult it is to balance work, family, and school, but she did it all with quiet, steadfast determination.”
This personal empathy, combined with professional expertise, makes Harris a powerful advocate for the families ASPSF serves.
Meet Danielle Harris
Although she recently worked in Kansas and spent six years in Joplin, Missouri, Harris considers Arkansas home. She has lived in the state since she was eight years old and is currently relocating to the Little Rock area near Bryant with her family:
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Husband: Dave
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Son: Bennett (2 years old)
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Pets: Piper and Bingley (family dogs)
Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Psychology from Hendrix College. Her unique path to fundraising began while she was juggling roles as a part-time elementary music teacher and event coordinator. Discovering a natural talent for connecting donors with causes, she quickly advanced through development roles at FosterAdopt Connect before moving to higher education fundraising.
Leadership Perspectives
Christine Gronwald, Chief Development Officer at ASPSF, expressed her enthusiasm for the new hire:
“Danielle brings a unique mix of heart and expertise to our development team. Her deep understanding of educational fundraising, paired with her personal connection to our mission, makes her the perfect person to lead our major gift efforts.”
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
For decades, ASPSF has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. By removing financial barriers, they help single parents achieve their educational goals and improve their economic standing.
For more information on how to support this mission or to learn about giving opportunities, please contact Jen Lawrence, ASPSF Chief Communications Officer, at jlawrence@aspsf.org or call 501-550-6304.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the role of a Major Gifts Officer at ASPSF? The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building relationships with donors who wish to make significant financial contributions. These gifts often fund endowments or large-scale scholarship initiatives that provide long-term support for single-parent students.
2. How does ASPSF support single parents? ASPSF provides financial support (scholarships), mentoring, and developmental workshops to help single parents in Arkansas complete their higher education and secure professional employment.
3. What is Danielle Harris’s background? Danielle Harris holds a degree from Hendrix College and has previously served as the Director of Development for the College of Education at Pittsburg State University. She also has experience with FosterAdopt Connect.
4. How can I contact the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund? You can reach the ASPSF team for media inquiries or donation information by contacting Jen Lawrence at 501-550-6304 or via email at jlawrence@aspsf.org.