Alumna Amanda Puché named Development Director

ATLANTA – Amanda Watkins Puché joined the Andrew Young School  as the college’s new director of development in January.

Puché’s relationship with Georgia State University dates back to 2004, the year she entered to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology.

After completing that degree, Puché earned a B.A. in Journalism, M.A. in Anthropology and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, all from Georgia State.  She also holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential through the Andrew Young School’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Puché’s career in development started at the university. As a development coordinator for the Office of Annual Programs, she spent nearly three years managing the donations of student and young alumni donors. She eventually left the university, but hoped to return. Before becoming development director, Puché worked with the Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta and most recently, the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

“When I began my career in the Office of Annual Programs, I always hoped my journey would lead me back home,” she said.

“We are so pleased to have Amanda Puché on our team as development director. She brings development expertise to the School as well as a deep love for AYSPS and GSU,” said interim dean Sally Wallace.

Puché has begun working closely with the school’s Dean’s Council as she manages the development program, and she offers support to university-wide development initiatives like the Burning Bright campaign and Georgia State Day.

“My goal and vision in this role is to expand awareness, engagement and opportunity for the Andrew Young School – our students, faculty, and staff – through increased philanthropic support,” she said.

In addition to her position, Puché is also a committed to supporting the university financially, as a donor.  “Giving to Georgia State is how I pay it forward for current and future Panthers.  During my master’s program, I held a graduate assistantship that provided me a stipend and full tuition assistance. Such financial support came from donors before me and I am forever grateful.”  Her support is also based on the value she places on volunteerism. “Community activism and engagement are important principles to me personally,” said Puché.

She admits her experiences and background in development at Georgia State give her a unique perspective about the needs of the university. As a proud alumna, she is especially grateful to represent the Andrew Young School as development director.  “It is truly an honor for me.”

Puché’s enthusiasm for Georgia State is both obvious and undeniable. It is this “boundless energy” that Wallace believes is “at the heart of helping the Andrew Young School grow.”