November 2, 2023
Amanda Etter named director of Military Affiliated Resource Center
Amanda Etter started as the director of the Military Affiliated Resource Center on Oct. 16.
Etter served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000 to 2004 as an aviation supply specialist. During her four years, she achieved the rank of sergeant and served primarily with the F18 community. After transitioning from active duty, she began her educational journey and earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from University of Maryland University College, Asia, in 2009 and a Master of Science in adult occupational and continuing education from Kansas State University in 2015.
As the Military Affiliated Resource Center director, Etter and her staff are the central points of contact for current or future military-connected students seeking information about benefits and programs available to them. She also manages the center's physical location in Room 217 of the K-State Student Union, which provides a space for military-affiliated students to access resources, study and build community with others who have kindred experiences.
"As a first-generation college student, I remember the barriers that I experienced after high school that kept me from going straight into college," Etter said. "The Marine Corps became my pathway to obtaining higher education and developing skills and values that I bring into my professional environment. It is an honor to be supporting the military-affiliated population here at my alma matter, and I am looking forward to building relationships across campus, enhancing services for students, and creating a space for community building and engagement."
After completing her bachelor's degree, Etter held various positions with Marine Corps Community Services, working with active duty and transitioning military to obtain education and training opportunities. She later served in a unique capacity as San Diego State University's academic advisor to Wounded Warrior Battalion West, guiding wounded, ill and injured service members through the process to access higher education across the country. While at San Diego State University, she kickstarted the Women Veteran Success Program on campus. She obtained the role of director of the military and veterans program at the University of San Diego in 2017 and was actively engaged with local committees including, San Diego Veterans Coalition, San Diego Coast Guard City Committee, San Diego Military Advisory Council, San Diego Military Family Collaborative, and Military in Transition Firefighter for a Day. She relocated to Manhattan in 2021, seeking new opportunities to continue to pursue education and spend time with her two children.
"I plan to continue the mission of making Kansas State University the destination for military-affiliated students in Kansas," Etter said. "As a veteran, I am proud of my service and extremely grateful for the doors it opened to me and my family for education. As a K-State alumna, I am honored to have a small part on campus to enrich the experience for our current and future military-affiliated Wildcats."