Amanda Golden is the Assistant Director of the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center. In this role, she oversees the center’s various programs and events, including managing the Forty Acres Founders Pre-Accelerator Program.

Amanda has over 12 years’ experience working in higher education and helping students navigate the college and university setting. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government right here on the Forty Acres, Amanda worked for two years at the University of Maryland, College Park in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Due to snowy winters and a significant lack of breakfast tacos, she chose to move back to Austin with her family and has been working on campus for over ten years. Amanda joined the McCombs School of Business in 2018 to launch the Entrepreneurship Minor.

Prior to joining the HKEC team, Amanda worked as a Career Counselor and Academic Advisor in the Cockrell School of Engineering. While working in engineering, Amanda oversaw many complex projects, allowing her to build an expansive skill set in program coordination and student support. In 2015, Amanda earned a Master’s Degree in College Student Development from St. Edward’s University. Amanda enjoys helping students find ways to achieve their academic and professional goals and to identify and build skills that will help them be successful in their classes and careers. She has advised students and led workshops in a number of areas, including major and career exploration and enhancing academic success.