CAHSS Events Specialist Elizabeth Oliver — Leaping Into Every Challenge

If you have ever attended an event in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS), then you’ve likely met Events Specialist, Elizabeth Oliver. From preliminary planning meetings, to coordinating with guest lecturers, to setting up event spaces and everything in between, Oliver is the point person on the CAHSS Marketing & Communications team for all things events. Previously a college athlete at the College of William and Mary in Virginia and a professional in the NYC fashion industry before coming to DU, Oliver is looking forward to becoming a new mom in Fall 2025 with the support of her husband, Will, and tackling the unique challenges and opportunities of starting a family and continuing to grow her career. 

Oliver began her journey as a high school student athlete, competing both as a swimmer and in track and field. Initially, she was more highly recruited as a swimmer than as a track athlete, but after enduring some rotator cuff injuries from swimming towards the end of her high school career, Oliver decided to try her hand at pole vaulting. Oliver’s father, a former pole vaulter at William & Mary, encouraged her to give the sport a shot, and he eventually became her high school coach. Like her father, Oliver went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level as a pole vaulter at William & Mary on an athletic scholarship. 

In describing her experience, Oliver said, “I loved everything about it. If I could do it again, I would. It gave me so much structure that I needed out of high school, and because the academics were so rigorous, I don't think I would have known what to do with my time if I didn't have strict hours [around my schedule].” 

In 2015, after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in marketing, Oliver went on to work for Ann Taylor’s sweaters department in New York City. Following three-and-a-half years in the fashion industry, she gained invaluable experience while enjoying the fast-paced environment, but decided to seek a more sustainable long-term pace for her career by working in alumni engagement for her alma mater, William & Mary, for almost 5 years. After some additional time working at a nonprofit and another higher education institution, Oliver landed in her current role in CAHSS, bringing to the table top-notch expertise in events management and philanthropy. 

In 2020, Oliver met her husband on a ski trip to Vail, Colorado where they later held their wedding ceremony and reception. Now, she and her husband are excitedly expecting their first child right before the holidays. Oliver describes this next chapter as something she has always wanted: "We're really looking forward to it! It'll have its challenges, for sure, but like anything in life, you just have to work together.”