Lion VoicesJuly 22, 2024

Architect of Success: Amanda Seidenzahl

Written By: Ian Silvester

At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, the concurrent enrollment programs, Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC), and Smart Start are in good hands. Amanda Seidenzahl has worked with concurrent programming since 2016 and officially became director of early college programs, overseeing both WATC and Smart Start since July 1.

Seidenzahl brings with her a double-major bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biology from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s degree in operations management from the University of Arkansas. She is working on her doctoral dissertation in human resource and workforce development, also, from The Hill. However, it’s not only the educational accolades that make her the right fit. It’s Seidenzahl’s personal connection to concurrent programming and a passion for helping students succeed that sets her apart.

Hailing from west-central Crawford County, Arkansas, Seidenzahl grew up in Cedarville, just 30 minutes north of the university, where she first developed “a deep appreciation and understanding” of what college can be like for a student.

Throughout elementary school, Seidenzahl frequented UAFS, then Westark College, as part of the Connections Super Saturday program. On these Saturdays, kids picked three areas of interest to learn more about the subject matter. Seidenzahl recalled learning more about chemistry, journalism, and Spanish, and each of these Saturdays was hands-on and interactive.

 In middle school, she witnessed her mom work to earn an associate degree from the university as a non-traditional student. By high school, Seidenzahl was fully immersed in concurrent studies in the early days of the WATC programming.

“Those early days are very near to my heart,” she said fondly. “It really connected me to what higher education looked like.”

In 2008, Seidenzahl’s connection to UAFS and higher education came full circle. She began working with the TRIO program, helping first-generation students, those with disabilities, and those with financial needs. She eventually became the director of student support services. She called her nine-plus years working in TRIO programs rewarding.

“I have a passion for helping students find and attain their goals,” Seidenzahl said.

After briefly moving to Mena, Arkansas, to be closer to her husband’s family, the Seidenzahls returned to Fort Smith. In 2016, Seidenzahl was back at UAFS, still working with students, but with a new role.

“I became the director of the Regional Workforce Grants from 2016 until 2021,” she wrote in an email. She remained in that role, working with cyber systems and robotics until the grant ended and the RWG programs moved into WATC.

Entering college as a first-generation student, Seidenzahl learned how to lean on others for support and guidance. After transitioning into working in higher education, she became someone others came to for help. She said after more than a decade of working with students, her desire to be someone they can lean on has remained strong.

“I want to help students make that transition, and I love helping them realize that opportunity for themselves,” she explained.

But it’s also a message she told herself.

As a mom of two young boys and a full-time administrator at UAFS, having the time and motivation to return to school was no small feat. But it did reshape the way Seidenzahl connects with students.

“It’s surprising to them when I’m studying or have to turn in homework, or whatever it may be,” she said. “It changes the conversation a little bit.”

With her own future – becoming the second person in her family to earn the title of “Doctor” on the horizon – Seidenzahl can’t help but think about the future of UAFS and what is means for concurrent students’ success.

“We have a lot of potential,” she said. “There are so many things that we can do and have opportunities to do.”

Watch Amanda's Story:

• Tags:
• Concurrent
• Staff Voices
• Smart Start
• WATC