14 Jun 2026 Men of the Moment 2026: Jacob Oliva

From the moment he took the reins at the Arkansas Department of Education, Secretary Jacob Oliva hit the ground running with a goal of making Arkansas a winner in the classroom.

A lifelong educator, he was appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2023 and quickly became a driving force behind the passage of the Arkansas LEARNS Act, the most comprehensive restructuring of the state’s education system in decades. Since its implementation, Arkansas has become a national leader in starting teacher salaries, parental empowerment and support for struggling learners.

“To be a part of Arkansas LEARNS means I get a front-row seat to the improvements in student learning that Arkansas once viewed as impossible,” Oliva said. “By empowering families to make the educational decisions that best suit their students, everyone wins.”

Despite early successes, his work is just getting started.

“I envision a future where Arkansas ranks first in education,” he said. “One where 100% of our third-graders are reading at or above grade level and all graduating seniors are ready to be enlisted, enrolled or employed. I want a world where teachers have the tools they need to shape our future leaders on day one in the classroom and families are empowered to make the best educational decisions for their children.”

Of all his accomplishments, Oliva is most proud of his family.

“My wife is incredibly supportive and is the glue that holds us all together,” he said. “My children have grown up to be wonderful, disciplined young adults and rock-star bowlers. Without them, there would be a noticeable void in my life.”

Fueled by his family’s support, Oliva remains committed to the students and teachers he serves.

“Education matters,” he said. “Every day, I wake up and get to be an agent of change. It’s important work that supports students and shapes pathways of success and I get to do it with great people.”

Contact Secretary Oliva at 501.682.4203 or email [email protected].