Dr. Janis I. “Jan” Zink served as a dedicated advancement professional at The University of Tulsa from 1998-2013, in positions of increasing responsibility.
As Senior Vice President for Planning and Outreach at TU, Jan devoted her vast professional energies and her impressive acumen in the field of higher education to move the university forward, building a highly successful advancement operation and organizational infrastructure that did not previously exist at TU. Jan’s efforts resulted in the university achieving unprecedented goals in all areas of advancement, including fundraising, alumni relations, donor services, university relations and special events, most notably:
• Securing more than $600,000,000 in gifts and pledges;
• Achieving a 70% increase in annual donors;
• Realizing a 40% increase in annual giving;
• Achieving a 75% increase in alumni donors (alumni participation rate jumped from 9% to 27%);
• Expanding the TU Alumni Association from one Tulsa committee to a national board encompassing 10 chapters and 17 clubs;
• Realizing a 67% increase in endowed faculty and administrative positions;
• Achieving a 70% increase in endowed scholarships; and
These Institutional Advancement achievements fueled TU’s remarkable transformation from a respected regional university into a nationally known academic powerhouse that consistently ranks among the Top 100 universities in the country.
Jan Zink was a valuable and trusted thought partner to successive TU presidents and as a leader and mentor to dozens of staff members who have been inspired by her kindness, integrity, professionalism and creative energy. She was admired and adored by alumni, donors and friends of the University, who appreciate her leadership.
Joan Nesbitt, a TU alumna (BA ’86, Communication) and former employee of The University of Tulsa’s Office of Institutional Advancement, credits Jan Zink with giving her countless opportunities for professional development and career growth and is deeply grateful to Jan for their professional partnership and personal friendship.
Joan Nesbitt wishes to honor Jan Zink for her impressive and extensive legacy that will long be felt on TU’s campus and for the time and attention Jan invested in mentoring and advising Joan as she built her advancement career. In fulfillment of this wish and as a part of The University of Tulsa’s Pioneer Program, Joan Nesbitt has established a life insurance gift to create an endowment at The University of Tulsa, which shall be formally recognized as The Jan Zink Endowed Scholarship Fund.
