MEDIA, Pa. — Amanda Atkinson joined Penn State Brandywine as an academic adviser in January. Coming from Swarthmore College, where she served as the director of residential communities, Atkinson said she is looking forward to getting to know Brandywine students and helping them with their academic planning.
Q: What is your background and previous experience?
Atkinson: I have worked in academic advising in the past; I did that at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California. More recently, though, I worked in residence life at Swarthmore College.
Q: What was your deciding factor in coming to work for Penn State Brandywine?
Atkinson: I grew up in Pennsylvania, so Penn State has always been a significant part of my life. When I saw a job opening at Penn State Brandywine, I was very excited and knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity. I also just really enjoy academic advising and working one-on-one with students to help them figure out their academic plans.
Q: What are you looking forward to most during your time at Brandywine?
Atkinson: I’m really looking forward to meeting with students and having conversations about how I can help them in their college journeys. I know a lot of our students are from the surrounding area, so it’ll be nice to connect with them about things we have in common.
Q: What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your time at Brandywine?
Atkinson: My goal is to help students as much as I can with figuring out their next steps academically, whether they want to declare or change their major, transition to another Penn State campus or decide what they want to do after graduation.
Q: What are some of your interests? What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Atkinson: I like to knit, I listen to audiobooks at double speed, I run a lot, and I enjoy spending time with my family.