A 1989 graduate of Southwestern University, Oliver returns to Southwestern following significant experience gained in admission and financial aid at several private institutions with which Southwestern annually competes for top students. He replaces longtime mentor John W. Lind, vice president of enrollment management, who is retiring after 22 years of providing leadership in the admission and financial aid area. Said Oliver, "I'm honored to have the opportunity to return to Southwestern, a place that has had a tremendous impact on my life. The school's future has never looked brighter, and I look forward to working with the campus community to enhance the University's reputation as one of the premier small liberal arts and sciences institutions in the country."

Southwestern University President Jake B. Schrum said, "Tom Oliver's intelligence, integrity and innovative strategies ultimately made him a marvelous match for this senior-level position. As an alumnus, his depth of knowledge about the Southwestern culture also provides him with a unique insight and genuine love for the institution that will undoubtedly enrich our enrollment services program."

Oliver has worked as director of freshmen admissions at TCU for the past three years. Prior to his appointment at TCU, he worked at Trinity University in San Antonio for a decade. There, he was promoted three times--from assistant director of admission to associate director of admission to associate director of admission and financial aid and, finally, to director of financial aid. Following his graduation from Southwestern, Oliver spent two years at Southern Methodist University as an admission counselor. Oliver obtained his B.A. in political science at Southwestern and is completing a master of liberal arts degree at TCU. He is currently is president-elect of the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC).

Oliver and his spouse, Terri, plan to live in Georgetown.