Amanda Bankston

Ph.D. Student, Public Administration and International Affairs Department

Graduate Research Associate, Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration

Highest degree earned

M.P.A, University of Arizona, 2021

Bio

Amanda Bankston is a Ph.D. student in public administration at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Stemming from professional experience spanning newsrooms, nonprofits and communities across the country, her research interests center on how people work together to create stronger, healthier, more equitable communities. More specifically, her work explores collective leadership, examining the process dynamics, competencies and decision-making that drive effective collaboration for social change.

As a facilitator, consultant and administrator, Amanda has had the privilege of serving more than 100 community-based organizations working to advance social and racial justice. Most recently, she facilitated public participation in efforts to address racial and ethnic disparities in the Pima County criminal justice system, created a knowledge-sharing platform for a national network of arts leaders working toward social and cultural justice, and is currently supporting the development of a community center near Syracuse’s South Valley neighborhood.

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota and an M.P.A. from the University of Arizona.

Areas of Expertise

Collaborative governance, public management, leadership, nonprofit management