“You have no friends.
You have no enemies.
You only have teachers.”
What People Are Saying
“Dr. Garcia truly cares about her students and their experiences. She would always go the extra mile to make sure that we were getting the information and resources that we needed. It's refreshing to see someone use their authority and power to help others. I'm very thankful to Dr. Garcia.”
— Keah Moffett, Recent Graduate
“Even though these past two academic years have been defined by a global pandemic, Amanda has maintained her energy and enthusiasm as she led the program’s transition to online and hybrid classroom models. Amanda moves at a swift, decisive pace and never seems to lack energy or ideas. She is optimistic and light-hearted but also challenges faculty and students with very high expectations. She continues to be available to offer advice, ideas, and insight on whatever project is being tackled.”
— Rebecca Carr, Assoc. Director of Media + Design, Tulane SoPA
“It’s remarkable to have witnessed Dr. Garcia slalom through the challenges we’ve all had to face in the last two years and continue to evolve an academic environment that bears the hallmarks of her dedication. It’s a gift to be a part of this renaissance and have a consummate example of leadership to emulate in my own career path.”
— AJ Durand, Recent Graduate
Hello, I’m Amanda Garcia.
I believe education has the power to change lives and shape the community in which we contribute.
My research interest lies in two distinct areas: recruitment and retention of first generation college students and design for good in higher education curriculum.
My expertise in curriculum development, implementation and assessment has allowed me to work among some of the best and brightest in higher education to cultivate the next generation of leaders.
Recent Initiatives
A selection of initiatives of interest are below. For more in-depth information regarding my capabilities, please visit my bio and CV link here or above.
Design Thinking
“Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation” —Tim Brown, IDEO
As part of service to the University and community, I plan and conduct design thinking workshops to aid leadership teams in problem-solving. This image was taken at a QEP planning design thinking workshop this Fall 2021 at Tulane University with the Provost’s office of SAVP of Strategy.
Leadership
I pride myself in fostering a climate of academic innovation, experimentation, growth and enthusiasm. I believe in University-wide collaboration to solve today’s higher education evolving issues—
all while supporting an unparalleled commitment to student success.
Compound Classroom
Prior to the pandemic in 2018/19, understanding the need for an evolving virtual classroom and aligned with addressing pain points discovered in the literature, I developed a “compound classroom” model. Additionally, I designed a physical “C.E.L.L.” studio for the compound classroom model—Creative Engaged Learning Lab.
Trust the Process
Using innovative media, such as Podcasts, to reach potential and current students creates a new and engaging pathway for connection. In 2020, I created a pod cast studio—lovingly deemed “Sunny Side Up Studios”—in which we launched our “Trust the Process” podcast where we explore current and former students’ paths that led them to where they are today.
Media & Publicity
Marketing Media
Creative & Art Direction
Given my expertise in marketing, advertising and design, I was able to ideate, art direct and creative direct multi-media content for our redeveloped programs at Tulane SoPA: