ASPSF Welcomes New Development Officer

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is proud to announce the addition of Danielle Harris as its first Development Officer, Major Gifts, marking a strategic step in expanding philanthropic support for single parents across the state.

Harris began her new role on June 2 and brings a rich background in educational advancement and donor engagement.

“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 excited to join a team with such strong fundraising experience. I look forward to building relationships that help students succeed.”

She most recently served as the Director of Development for the College of Education and Library Services at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. There, she worked closely with alumni and donors to establish scholarships supporting future educators — work that closely aligns with ASPSF’s mission of empowering single parents through higher education.

“Nontraditional students have always held a special place in my heart because of my mom,” Harris said. “She went back to school for her degree during my high school years while navigating a divorce. I saw firsthand how hard it is to balance work, family, and school, but she did it all with quiet, steadfast determination.”

Harris has called Arkansas home since she was eight years old, with the exception of a six-year stay in Joplin, Missouri. She and her family — husband, Dave; two-year-old son, Bennett; and their dogs Piper and Bingley — are currently relocating to the Little Rock area near Bryant.

Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in music with a minor in psychology from Hendrix College. Her career in development began after discovering a passion for fundraising while juggling roles as a part-time elementary music teacher and event coordinator at a PK–12 school. Since then, she has advanced quickly through roles at FosterAdopt Connect and Pittsburg State.

“Danielle brings a unique blend of heart and expertise to our development team,” said Christine Gronwald, Chief Development Officer at ASPSF. “Her deep understanding of educational fundraising, paired with her personal connection to our mission, makes her the perfect person to lead our major gifts efforts.”

For more information, contact ASPSF Chief Communications Officer Jen Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501-550-6304.