Amanda McAllister-Knutson

Amanda (she/her) was born and raised on a farm in South Dakota. As a first-generation student, Amanda attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from South Dakota State University. As a Jackrabbit, she got fully involved at college and work as a Resident Assistant, Desk Attendant, and was a student manager for the women’s basketball team.  Amanda fell in love with the higher education work and discovered after doing an ACUHO-I Internship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and attended STARS College, that her current goal of being a math teacher would not suffice her passion.  Amanda dropped her teacher certification to pursue a graduate assistantship to continue her education.  After attending the Oshkosh Placement Exchange, Amanda accepted a Resident Director role at Arkans Tech University (ATU). While at ATU, Amanda also worked with Intramurals, Student Activities Board, Upward Bound, and Housing administrative office during her 2 years while she obtained her, Master of Science in College Student Personnel.

After getting her master’s degree, Amanda worked at Texas Tech University for 5 years as a Residence Life Coordinator and 1 year as an Academic Advisor.  The next stop was Arizona State University as a First Year Success Coordinator.  After getting married in Arizona, Amanda’s partner’s career brought them to Chico State. Amanda began working at Chico State with Recreational Sports and after 4 years Amanda came back to working in Housing as the Senior Coordinator for Leadership and Engagement.   Amanda has a strong passion for training and development and helping students succeed along with working with First Gen and Foster Youth.  Outside of work, Amanda enjoys talking sports of all kinds, cooking/baking, watching movies, and enjoying time with her spouse and two kids.