Since July 2023, Amanda Ries has served as the Director of Residence Life. Prior to this role, Ries served as Assistant Director for Academic Initiatives in Residence Life at Pitt for four years, working closely with the Living Learning Communities and key academic partnerships, such as advising centers, academic departments and programs, and the Hillman Library. She has also heavily engaged in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work through her role as chair of the Residence Life DEI committee and as a member the Student Affairs DEI committee. Ries has also worked significantly in assessment and data (both through departmental assessment initiatives and with COVID compliance), and she served as the chair of the division’s United Way campaign for AY22.
Additionally, Ries has served in various capacities in professional organizations, including President of the Pennsylvania College Personnel Association, the ACUHO-I Academic Initiatives Conference committee and the ACUHO-I Annual Conference & Expo committee. She has previously served as a national officer for Sigma Kappa sorority and is currently an active volunteer for Cancer Bridges and Lasagna Love here in Pittsburgh.
Amanda holds a BA in Psychology from Westminster College (PA) and an MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She began her journey in residence life at Robert Morris University as a Resident Director and has also worked in residence life along with fraternity/sorority life, student conduct, and orientation at Seton Hill University and Westminster College (PA).
