Olney Friends School Welcomes New Director of Development and Alumni Relations
BARNESVILLE – Olney Friends School introduced Jennifer Compston-Strough as its new Director of Development and Alumni Relations in October.
She returns to Olney with a proven track record of fundraising success, having served as the school’s Director of Advancement from 2013-2015.
“I am pleased to welcome Jennifer back to the Olney Friends School community. She brings enthusiasm, experience, and an insider-outsider perspective that will surely fortify and build on the work of her predecessor,” Head of School Christian Acemah said.
Born in Barnesville and raised in nearby Belmont, Jennifer is a graduate of Union Local High School with a bachelor’s degree in history from Wright State University. She also completed postgraduate work in Educational Administration at Franciscan University of Steubenville and earned Ohio teaching certification. She is a member of the Belmont County Tourism Council Board of Directors, the Ohio University Eastern Coordinating Council, and the Advisory Board for A Special Wish Foundation, Ohio Valley Chapter.
“I am delighted to return to Olney to help meet the school’s fundraising goals and to foster strong relationships with the many people who have benefited from an Olney education over the years,” Compston-Strough said. “I look forward to working with the faculty, students, and alumni to advance the school’s mission of providing a transdisciplinary, college-preparatory education within a supportive community.”
As Director of Development and Alumni Relations, she will oversee all fundraising efforts and manage donor and alumni relations, as well as develop a strategic plan for future fundraising endeavors.
Jennifer has a background in journalism and most recently served as Managing Editor of The Times Leader, a newspaper based in Martins Ferry. She lives in the village of Belmont with her husband Michael Strough.
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Founded in 1837, Olney Friends School blends Quaker values with modern education, embracing diversity and student empowerment.
Students actively shape their community, from dorm life to academic choices, developing crucial life skills alongside rigorous college preparation.
The school’s 350-acre farm is marking 10 years of USDA organic certification in 2025. The campus serves as a living laboratory with the working farm and surrounding ecology.
The curriculum balances core college preparatory material with flexibility for in-depth exploration, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond. To learn more, visit olneyfriends.org or check out the school’s Facebook page.
(Olney Friends School press release)
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