ASPSF Welcomes Jenny Rowland as New Community Engagement Coordinator
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is excited to welcome Jenny Rowland as its new community engagement coordinator.
Jenny joined the organization on Oct. 6, bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education, student development, and community building.
In her new role, Jenny will oversee ASPSF’s volunteer and service projects, establish a statewide alumni network for scholarship recipients, and strengthen partnerships that extend the organization’s reach and impact. She will also work closely with ASPSF leadership to develop long-term strategies for engaging volunteers, alumni, and community partners while measuring the impact of the organization’s mission: to end single parent poverty through higher education.
“Jenny brings an extraordinary combination of experience, heart, and dedication to our mission,” said ASPSF Chief Operating Officer Arlene Green. “Her ability to connect with students, families, and volunteers will strengthen our programs and create lasting opportunities for single parent scholars across Arkansas.”
A Career Rooted in Education and Empowerment
Jenny’s career reflects a deep dedication to helping individuals transform their lives through education.
She began her journey at the University of Central Arkansas in admissions, where she discovered her passion for guiding students and families in shaping their educational futures. Her work with the Career Pathways Program at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) provided firsthand insight into the barriers faced by low-income families striving for academic success.
Jenny expanded her expertise in statewide scholarship administration at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and later served as director of new student orientation and student activities at Hendrix College.
At Hendrix, she gained extensive experience leading alumni and volunteer networks and managing large-scale events — skills that will serve her well in her new role with ASPSF.
“The families, the students, the individuals, and their stories are what have always driven me,” Jenny shared. “I love to motivate people and to build relationships with the populations I serve.”
A Personal Connection to ASPSF’s Mission
Jenny’s passion for ASPSF’s mission is deeply personal. As a young mother pursuing her education, she experienced firsthand the power of support networks and the difference encouragement can make in achieving one’s goals.
“When I began my career in higher education, it became evident to me how transformational education could be — not only to individuals but to entire families and the communities in which they live,” Jenny said. “The support that we as an organization are able to provide to parents can be critical during their educational journey. Whether it be in the form of scholarship dollars, career resources, or even words of encouragement, these things matter greatly.”
Her own journey echoes the same resilience and determination she now sees in ASPSF scholars. Jenny holds a Master of Science in college student personnel services and administration from the University of Central Arkansas and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“When I pursued my advanced degree while raising my family, it took tremendous support from family, friends, coworkers, and even my children at times,” she said. “Although my experience was different, I recognize the incredible sacrifice it takes to be a working single parent pursuing an education. I admire their perseverance and am proud to cheer them on in whatever capacity they need.”
A lifelong Arkansan, Jenny lives in Conway with her husband, Reese, and has two children, Abbott and Bennett, along with two pups, Murphy and Wilson. She is also a proud graduate of the Women’s Leadership Network Academy, 2024 Cohort, and enjoys volunteering in her community whenever she can.
Jenny’s enthusiasm for her new role radiates through her words.
“The students, the families, and their stories — I love working with people and learning about what motivates and inspires them,” she said. “Hearing their stories and seeing their pride and satisfaction in obtaining their goals is absolutely unmatched! Knowing that we can offer support is personally satisfying to me beyond measure.”
ASPSF is thrilled to have Jenny join the team and looks forward to the compassion, insight, and energy she brings to this vital role. Her passion for education and community engagement aligns perfectly with ASPSF’s mission to help single parents achieve their goals and create brighter futures for their families.
