Alumni Spotlight: Olivia Chelko brings passion and grace to creating brighter futures

At Oxford, Chelko learned that effective leadership and pragmatic action can take many forms. “My time at Oxford taught me how to think critically, lead with purpose, and stay grounded in service. When I arrived, I had just turned 17 and graduated high school a year early. I was a kid in more ways than just age. I was still finding my voice, figuring out how the world worked, and learning how I wanted to show up in it. Oxford was the right place for that. It gave me the time, space, and support to grow into someone who leads thoughtfully and with heart.”

Leading with her heart grew from her family’s roots on a farm in rural Georgia. When it came time to choose a college, she picked Oxford College because it felt familiar in size and values to this close-knit community. “Oxford gave me the small-town atmosphere I was used to, with a strong sense of community and connection, while also providing access to big ideas, global opportunities, and the broader Emory network,” she says. “The smaller class sizes helped me build confidence, develop meaningful relationships with professors, and find my academic voice. By the time I transitioned to the Atlanta campus, I felt prepared to take on more independence, opportunity, and responsibility. Oxford helped me develop the tools I needed to navigate a larger campus while staying grounded in who I am and what I want to contribute to the world.”

One of the highlights of her Oxford education was studying biology with Dr. Eloise Carter, who retired in 2021. “Now working in public health, I can trace my passion back to her class. What made it even more special was that she knew my family, so I felt motivated to meet her high expectations and make everyone proud.”

After earning a bachelor’s in biology and then a MS in public health at Emory, she received an MA in nonprofit administration at the University of Georgia. She has served in numerous leadership positions in Georgia, including as director of development and communications at Positive Impact Health Centers; executive director of AIDS Athens, Inc.; and as a board member and founder of the Athens Resource Center for the Homeless. She is currently the executive director of the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on raising awareness, providing education, and funding research. She is the recipient of Georgia Trend magazine’s 2016 40 Under 40 award and other national, state, and local awards for her work in LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Her time at Oxford remains a touchstone, and she cherishes the lifelong friendships that grew out of those years. She has especially fond memories of gathering at the dining hall. “There was such joy in walking into any meal and immediately seeing friends—heading in together or arriving on your own and finding your Oxford family already there. That feeling has never really left. It’s the same quiet happiness that follows me when I get together with old friends, where we greet each other with hugs, pick up conversations mid-sentence, and laugh like no time has passed.”

Chelko also has stayed connected to Oxford by participating in alumni programs and reunions, serving on the alumni board, giving sexual health talks on campus, and supporting student-centered initiatives. “We all had our own Oxford experience, and by staying involved, we help shape the next generation of those experiences,” says Chelko, who also encourages fellow alumni to consider making a planned gift.

“Olivia sets the gold standard for alumni engagement,” says Tammy Camfield 89Ox 91C, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement. “Her service on the Oxford College Alumni Board and leadership in planning reunions have not only strengthened our community, but inspired others to stay connected, give back, and lead with heart. She is a powerful example of how one alumna’s passion and purpose can continue to shape Oxford for generations to come.”

“Despite her own battles, my sister dedicated herself to serving others. She counseled pregnant teens in Philadelphia high schools and offered guidance, services, and support to them during difficult times. Her compassion and strength inspired many, and her loss has deeply affected our family.”

Chelko collaborated with Oxford Assistant Director of Development Brian Morgan on this project. “Working with Olivia to create a planned gift in memory of her sister has been a highlight of my time with Oxford’s Advancement team. Her thoughtful generosity will support students in crisis by helping to provide vital resources and promote a community where mental, emotional, and physical well-being are all valued. Her gift will not only be a lasting tribute in honor of her sister— but also a powerful investment in our students and for Oxford’s future.”