Laure O’Neal has been named Executive Director of the Tarrant County College Foundation, effective March 20, 2023.
Laure brings more than 15 years of experience working in the higher education and nonprofit sectors of philanthropy. She will manage all strategic fundraising initiatives across TCC’s six campuses – aligning the priorities of the College with philanthropic opportunities throughout the state. Laure will be responsible for restructuring the Foundation’s advancement strategies for individual, corporate, and foundation donors; elevating the Foundation’s brand awareness across Tarrant County; and cultivating relationships with TCC’s 125,000+ alumni.
Laure will also oversee the day-to-day operations of the TCC Foundation – working closely with industry partners, board members, donors, College leadership and other key stakeholders to create exceptional experiences for students, faculty and staff through philanthropy. One example is the TCC Foundation’s scholarship application/awarding process that provides 500+ scholarships each year to deserving students – a program O’Neal hopes to continue expanding.
“We are thrilled that Laure will be leading the TCC Foundation,” said Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “She brings a wealth of knowledge of best practices and an abundance of practical experience that will serve her well in her new role. I am confident that the College, the TCC Foundation Board of Directors and the community will enjoy working with Laure as we seek to secure resources to support students and TCC.”
Laure comes to TCC from the National Math & Science Initiative, where she served as Chief Development Officer. In addition to cultivating and securing philanthropic funds from individual, corporate, and foundation donors, O’Neal advocated to local and national organizations on key legislative issues related to STEM policy, established and implemented a lobbying structure in collaboration with lobbyists and legislators and managed multiple teams responsible for driving philanthropy, brand awareness and outward facing relationships.
Before leading the National Math and Science Institute, Laure spent nearly 10 years at the Arizona State University Foundation. While leading a 60-member, cross-functional, collaborative team, she developed and executed a robust, multi-disciplinary development program. During her tenure at ASU, Laure boosted alumni programmatic giving by 210% over a five-year period and secured more than $300M in combined outright, planned, capital and endowment gifts.
When asked about the opportunity to return to Fort Worth and lead the Foundation, Laure said, “I am thrilled to return to Fort Worth in this role with Tarrant County College. I am fulfilling a sense of purpose by serving the place I call home. I am committed to advancing the mission of TCC and supporting access to education and career readiness for thousands of learners.”
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College is one of the 20 largest higher education institutions in the United States and boasts the second-lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. As a comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County, and online, TCC offers a wide range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds that include traditional programs, such as Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training programs for area businesses and corporations. Students also may take advantage of Weekend College through which they can complete an associate degree in 18 months or less by attending class full-time through weekend and online classes.
Mission
Tarrant County College District provides affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning.
CONTACT:
Reginald Gates
Tarrant County College
reginald.gates@tccd.edu
www.tccd.edu
817-515-5001