Amanda's Story

Amanda has a unique upbringing as someone who spent much of her life moving around the country. Born to parents who had not completed college, one of Amanda’s earliest formative memories was when her dad went to and completed college in his late 30s; for her, this experience solidified the value and opportunities of college. When the time came for her to pursue college, she lived with her family in Nebraska. She chose to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she had strong mentors and positive experiences that provided the foundation for her interest in higher education. After completing her M.S. in higher education at Oklahoma State University, Amanda was a higher education administrator in residence life and focused on equity, student leadership, and student conduct. She then transitioned to the University of Iowa where she completed her Ph.D. in educational policy and leadership studies with a focus on higher education.

Professional service and leadership are important to Amanda. She has served in multiple leadership roles with ACPA, College Student Educators International, including the Governing Board and Chair for the Coalition for Sexual and Gender Identities. She also serves on multiple editorial boards and volunteers for several other professional associations.

Professional service and leadership are important to Amanda. She has served in multiple leadership roles with ACPA, College Student Educators International, including the Governing Board and Chair for the Coalition for Sexual and Gender Identities. She also serves on multiple editorial boards and volunteers for several other professional associations.