2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Human Relations

Amanda Brewer is the assistant director of the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

When future students and their families visit Wright State University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts, it’s often Amanda Brewer’s name they remember most.

As assistant director of the school, Brewer is typically their first point of contact, fielding questions, organizing visits and helping with student auditions. That personal connection makes a lasting impact. Brewer is often cited as a deciding factor in why fine and performing art students choose Wright State.

Brewer received the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Human Relations for her sustained commitment to supporting students and her colleagues with professionalism, warmth and a remarkable ability to bring others together.

“She is the glue that keeps everything together,” said Marya Spring Cordes, professor of acting and musical theatre and artistic director of Wright State Theatre. “Her dedication and enthusiasm for our students, faculty and staff shines through in the excellence of her daily execution of the wide range of duties that exist within her position.”

Brewer began her career at Wright State in 2005 as an office assistant and steadily rose through the ranks to become assistant director of the School of Fine and Performing Arts in 2023. In her current role, she supports all areas of the school while supervising several administrative staff members and the Creative Arts Box Office manager.

“She is the trusted point person for each student as they navigate their four years of education,” Cordes said. “Amanda’s human connections and leadership qualities are at the forefront of her job.”

With her enthusiastic attitude and excellent communications skills, Brewer is not just a behind-the-scenes powerhouse but a trusted colleague and an essential presence in the life of the school.

“I personally recognize that she makes my day brighter and better just from her qualities of openness and willingness,” Cordes said. “Amanda Brewer has simply been an outstanding human being within our Wright State community for 20 years.”