Amanda Fishman named director of Parent and Family Engagement

Amanda Fishman, previously the director of education and programs for the executive office of Alpha Delta Pi, has been named director of Parent and Family Engagement at the University of Georgia. The newly created position within the Division of Student Affairs will lead efforts to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with parents and families of students, serving as a key resource and providing support for family members throughout their student’s journey at the university.

Parent and Family Engagement was created to enhance communication and engagement with UGA students’ families. In collaboration with campus partners, the new department will act as the primary point of contact for the parents and families of all UGA students. The department recently launched families.uga.edu and a monthly Parent and Family e-newsletter, designed to establish regular points of contact for families to connect with the university and learn about campus programs and events.

Fishman will report directly to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Jan Barham and serve as a member of the Student Affairs leadership team.

“Universities today must thoughtfully engage and inform their students’ parents and families, partnering with families to support their students throughout their learning experience,” said Barham. “Amanda brings the essential expertise and experience to ensure UGA’s enhanced family engagement efforts are a success.”

Fishman said that parent and family engagement has become an expected offering of student support.

“More than ever before, family members expect to be engaged, informed, and included in the journey,” said Fishman. “Though we must center and empower the student in their own growth and development, it’s important and effective to provide families with information and tools to support their students along the way.”

Fishman’s appointment is effective October 1.

She previously worked in Fraternity/Sorority Life at Georgia Tech, before pivoting to off-campus roles in the executive office of Alpha Delta Pi, leading chapter services, communication, education, and programming support for 150+ chapters across the country.

Fishman holds a Master of Education in higher education administration from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in integrative health sciences from Stetson University. During her studies, she completed internships at the University of Vermont, Auburn University, the University of Louisville, and Western Carolina University.  

Writer: Stan Jackson, 706-542-1793, ugastan@uga.edu
Contact: Jan Barham, 706-542-3564, davisjk@uga.edu