Blair Olvera, Southern Nazarene University’s newest financial advisor, joined the financial aid office in August 2026, bringing a blend of banking expertise and passion for helping students afford their education.
A lifelong resident of Yukon, Oklahoma, Olvera spent 15 years working for two local credit unions. She began her career as a teller and eventually worked her way up to becoming a branch manager. Along the way, she gained experience in the call center and loan department, building the financial skills she now uses at SNU.
When her son began attending elementary school, Olvera decided she wanted a schedule that would allow her to spend more time with him. She eventually began working in public education, where she worked with students in special education.
She described her time in education as “very touching.”
Although she enjoyed working with her students, Olvera eventually realized she missed the financial side of her previous career.
“I needed to think about myself and what I really wanted to do, and that is banking. I missed the numbers side of it,” she commented.
When an opportunity opened at SNU, she found a position that allowed her to combine both of her interests.
“Coming to SNU, I am still able to work with students and do financial and number things. It is a win-win,” she exclaimed.
Since joining SNU, she said one of her favorite parts of the job has been the people around her. She said students and faculty have been welcoming as she learns her new position.
As a financial advisor, Olvera works with students who need assistance paying for their education. She helps students create payment plans, understand their financial situations and make sure they are prepared to continue attending classes. She also works with transcript lists as part of her responsibilities.
For Olvera, the position is about more than numbers. She also appreciates the opportunity to work in a Christian environment.
One of her favorite parts of SNU has been attending chapel.
“It amazes me to watch this whole university shut down to be able to go to chapel. It is amazing,” she warmly expressed.
Olvera also enjoys being able to pray with students who visit her office for financial advising. Through those conversations, she is able to share parts of her own faith and the experiences that have shaped her.
One of those experiences was her battle with cancer, which she says strengthened her faith and reminded her of God’s presence in her life.
“I know God has His hand on me. There’s nothing more faithful than Him walking right next to me,” she described.
From banking to education and now financial advising at SNU, Olvera’s career has taken several unexpected turns. Her new position allows her to combine her experience with numbers and her desire to work with students while serving in a Christian environment.
As she continues settling into her role, Olvera hopes to help SNU students find clarity in an area that can often feel overwhelming: paying for college.
Photo by: Trynitie Krout