Amanda Collett BFA '02 (Acting)

Based in Philadelphia, Amanda Collett is employed at the Penn Fund, University of Pennsylvania as Class Giving Director, 15th & 20th Reunions.

Professional Experience
Post-graduation, I worked part-time retail and restaurant positions, while performing in the Fringe Festival (now Live Arts), the 24-hour film festival, and several short films shot in New York. I worked my way in to management positions at both the Gap at 15th & Walnut in Center City, and Twenty Manning Restaurant in Rittenhouse Square.

In 2005, I returned to the University of the Arts as an admission counselor. In February 2009, I was promoted to assistant director of Admission. As an admission counselor, I travelled extensively in Central and Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Central & Western New Jersey, Philadelphia County, and other areas of the U.S., representing the University to prospective students, reviewing art work and auditions, and networking with teachers and counselors. 

I entered Drexel's Graduate Arts Administration program in September 2008, completed my coursework in December 2009, and am currently writing my thesis. I then moved to San Francisco in August 2010. While in California, I was an academic advisor at the Academy of Art University. I returned to Philadelphia in July 2011, accepting my current role at the University of Pennsylvania.

University & Alumni Association Involvement
As an alumna working in admissions, I considered myself a unique ambassador for the University. Post-graduation, I've stayed involved with University updates and attended alumni functions as my schedule allowed. In fall 2011, I participated in a young alumni discussion group. In spring 2012, I attended a UArts Fireside Chat.

Volunteer/Leadership Roles
During my entire time as a staff member at UArts, I was an active member of the Staff Council and was elected co-chair in 2009. As a Staff Council member, I helped plan the annual staff performance and exhibition hour. As co-chair, I helped plan and execute the Years of Service luncheon, as well as met bi-annually with President Buffington on behalf of the Council.

While a graduate student in Drexel's Arts Administration program, I was an elected representative on the Arts Administration Graduate Association and worked with a team of classmates to plan and execute the program's Annual Art Auction.

While living in San Francisco, I volunteered at the Hayes Valley Farm, an urban farm in Downtown San Francisco, using low-impact methods to repurpose a former highway ramp for community farm use.

Currently, I am a running leader at West Catholic High School with Students Run Philly Style (SRPS), a program that mentors middle and high school students through running training. We work with the students from February to November, with the ultimate goal to run either the full or half Philadelphia Marathon.

Personal Accomplishments
While a staff member at UArts, I was asked to serve on a joint faculty/staff budget advisory group for two consecutive years. I served as the Staff Council representative at President Buffington's inauguration and spoke at the induction ceremony. In February 2010, I was named Employee of the Month at UArts. I am also an avid runner and have completed the Broad Street Run three times, a half-marathon, and will be competing in my first triathlon this June.

Letter of Interest
An active and diverse alumni board is an asset to any university. As an alumna and former staff member, I bring a unique perspective to the Council. I have a proven track record of volunteer management, cross-disciplinary collaboration and relationship management. It would be an honor to take the professional and personal experiences I've had and apply them to advancing the work of the UArts Alumni Council. Many thanks for your time and consideration.