Jacob Oliva

Secretary, Arkansas Department of Education

Commissioner, ADE Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Read Bio

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Jacob Oliva as secretary for the Arkansas Department of Education. Oliva began as secretary on January 10, 2023. The Arkansas State Board of Education also selected Oliva as commissioner of ADE’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 12, 2023.

"Governor Sanders has the right vision to unleash Arkansas education, and I’m excited to get to work on day one to enact it. Education is the key to the future, creating opportunity for all, which is why I’ve spent my career implementing successful early learning programs, empowering parents with choices, and investing in career readiness. I am ready to continue that work here in Arkansas and look forward to working with Governor Sanders to build a bright future for our students." - Jacob Oliva

Learn more

ADE Vision

"Every Arkansan is equitably prepared, supported, and inspired to succeed in school, career, community, and life."

View Strategic Plan

What's New?

2/6/2023

ADE launches School Communication Tool on Insights Platform

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE): Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to announce the release of the School Communication Tool on the Insights platform. The School Communication Tool is intended for Superintende

10/2/2022

Scholarship Application Management System – Applicant Portal goes ‘live’

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE): Division of Higher Education (DHE) is pleased to announce the release of the new Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS) Portal. SAMS replaces the YOUniversal System.

1/27/2021

ADE launches new K-12 Division of Elementary and Secondary | DESE website

The Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education: Office of Information Technology (OIT) is pleased to launch a new version of its website.

Keep in touch!

Check out and follow us at our official Arkansas Department of Education Facebook page to follow the latest feeds, announcements, and events.

ADE Facebook

Latest Blog Post

Secretary's Latest Blog Post

Completing The FAFSA: The First Step to Higher Education

As babies, when we learn to walk, we work to meet various milestones, like discovering how to sit up, crawl, and pull ourselves to a standing position. Then there was that crucial first step, the step that pulled the next foot forward, propelling us into a new world of discovery and accomplishment. With each new experience, another first step keeps us navigating the path toward our future.

Read more

Transformation Savings

Post Transformation., ADE has been able to save $7,373,594.84 in the areas of Digital Transformation (Intranet Apps), Information Systems Development and Human Resources.

Read more

Transformation Savings

Performance Center

Transformation Savings

Check out performances from various programs such as Reading Initiative for Student Excellence (R.I.S.E.), Higher Education Scholarship, Arkansas Educator Licensure System, and more.

Read more