From Miss Lincoln to Legacy Maker — Staci Garrett Oliver ’85

Staci Garrett Oliver, Miss Lincoln 1984-85, reflects on a proud family legacy rooted in Lincoln University tradition, leadership and lifelong Blue Tiger pride.

Staci Garrett Oliver’s connection to Lincoln University of Missouri runs deep. Her decision to attend LU was inspired by a family legacy that began decades earlier, when her parents met on campus and built lifelong ties to the school.

Shirley Curry Garrett, Garrett Oliver’s mother, recalls their first meeting: “I remember meeting Herschel L. Garrett, Jr. on campus and quickly realizing that he possessed the qualities I was looking for in a friend, boyfriend and potential husband.”

Herschel L. Garrett, Jr. and Shirley M. Curry in front of Bennett Hall.

Shirley, an education major and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was one of two siblings out of seven to attend college, following in her brother’s footsteps to Lincoln University. Herschel, a biology major and basketball player, pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. during his time there.

“It was a wonderful feeling to have the family legacy at Lincoln University continue,” Garrett said. “I am very proud of the accomplishments Staci made on campus. Seeing her serve as a role model for the other students and her younger siblings filled my heart with a sense of pride.”

Herschel L. Garrett, Jr. and Shirley M. Curry in front of Page Library. 

Following Blue Tiger Tracks

Garrett Oliver acknowledges her family heritage as the primary motivation for her enrollment at Lincoln. “A rich history brought me to Lincoln,” she said. “My mom and dad were both Lincoln University graduates, and I followed in their footsteps.”

Staci Garrett Oliver, 1984.

Mirroring her mother’s path, Garrett Oliver became a Kappa Sweetheart and pledged the Alpha Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in Fall 1982.

During her time at Lincoln, Garrett Oliver engaged extensively in student life and campus leadership, serving in the Student Government Association and student teaching organizations. She was recognized as a freshman, sophomore and junior class queen, culminating in her being crowned Miss Lincoln University in 1984-85.

Staci Garrett Oliver, Miss Lincoln 1984-85. 

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Garrett Oliver said. “I remember the coronation, being crowned Miss Lincoln University and having the royal robe placed on my shoulders. That was an unforgettable moment; an awesome experience.”

Graduating in December 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Garrett Oliver began her career as a first-grade teacher in St. Louis Public Schools following winter break. This role marked the start of a professional journey spanning four decades.

Staci Garrett Oliver during the coronation of the 100th Miss Lincoln.  

Over time, Garrett Oliver advanced into leadership positions, including instructional services coordinator, principal, college administrator and assistant regional superintendent for the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education. Throughout her career, she emphasized prioritizing children’s well-being and striving to positively impact their lives.

“I’m really proud of my ability to make a difference in the lives of numerous children and families under my tutelage," she said.

Staci Garrett Oliver with former Miss Lincoln University queens. 

Legacy in Action

Garrett Oliver remains actively involved with Lincoln University and the surrounding community. She co-chairs the scholarship committee for The Greater St. Louis chapter of The 1866 Alumni Association, participating in the review and awarding of scholarships each semester. Additionally, she is a past national president of Carrousels, Inc., an active member of the East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a volunteer Big Sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois. 

Staci Garrett Oliver and her friends celebrate during Homecoming 2024. Left to right: Antoinette Coleman Futrell, Lavonne Boyd, Staci Garrett Oliver, Cynthia Johnson, Regina Robinson and Glenda Robinson Bridges. 

Garrett Oliver’s role on the scholarship committee extends beyond administrative tasks, as she mentors students through scholarship applications and academic challenges. She recounted assisting a student who initially did not meet the GPA requirement but sought guidance persistently. After discussing the student’s challenges, Garrett Oliver provided advice to improve academic performance.

The next semester, the student reported a GPA increase to 3.4 and expressed gratitude: “You don’t know what a difference you made.” Garrett Oliver credited the student’s effort, reminding her,  “You did the work. I just shared some advice.”

Fall '82 line sisters, left to right: Charlesetta Greene Jossell, Lisa Clemmons Sims, Marsha Rozelle, Staci Garrett Oliver, Robin Carey-Boyd and Denise Jefferson.

Garrett Oliver’s personal life centers around family. She is married to James Oliver, Jr. and is mother to three sons — Joseph, Justin and Jordan Clayborne — and grandmother to one granddaughter, Naya Clayborne.

Reflecting on her college experience and professional career, Garrett Oliver offers advice to current students: “College is a time to grow. You have the rest of your life to be an adult, but a short four years to balance academic and extracurricular activities." She encourages students to “maximize the opportunities and experiences they get exposed to, making good choices the entire time."

Fall ’82 celebrating 40 years of Greek Life that started at LU. 

Garrett Oliver and her friends return annually to Jefferson City for Lincoln University’s homecoming, a tradition she values deeply.

“It's the camaraderie, the family,” she said. “My friends and I getting together for homecoming every year is an annual event. We maximize our four days in Jefferson City, reliving all that we experienced so many years ago, and it means the world to us!”

Standing: Eureka Pickett, Tamara McBride McNeil, Glenda Robinson Bridges, Staci Garrett Oliver, Regina Robinson, Lavonne Boyd and Sandy Johnson. Seated: Kim Barnes, Antoinette Coleman Futrell and Cynthia Johnson.

For Garrett Oliver, Lincoln University represents more than an alma mater — it is a second home. “At Lincoln University, friendships are created that will last a lifetime. The experiences that you garner are the beginnings of an opportunity for you to be the very best person that you can be — as long as you take advantage of them.”

Staci Garrett Oliver and campus queens during the 2024 Homecoming tea honoring the 100th Miss Lincoln.

She encapsulates her experience at Lincoln with the words: “Family. Love. Pride. Education. Success. Culture. Growth. Experiences. Exposure.”

Her mother echoed this sentiment: “Being a Blue Tiger is a long-lasting tradition that lives on for Lincoln University students. From academic excellence and campus culture to recreational activities, the historical legacy remains strong. I will forever hold the lyrics of our alma mater close at heart... ‘Lincoln, O Lincoln … We thy proud children are!’”

Staci Garrett Oliver at the tea honoring the 100th Miss Lincoln University.

As Lincoln University celebrates 100 years of homecomings, Staci Garrett Oliver exemplifies the enduring influence of the Blue Tiger legacy and the importance of alumni engagement.

“It is our responsibility to uphold the legacy,” Garrett Oliver said.

Join us and Staci Garrett Oliver this fall to celebrate 100 years of Homecoming tradition at Lincoln University! Homecoming 2025 will take place October 26 - November 1, 2025.

We can't wait to welcome you home!