Amanda Garcia joined the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications staff as its business manager in 2020. 

Garcia brings experience as a pharmacy technician, daycare assistant director and bank teller to her role where her main job focuses on the department’s accounts and helping with new hire paperwork, among many other jobs.

Prior to joining the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Garcia had worked at Texas Tech University for four years. 

She said one of the main things she likes about working for the university and the department is the kindness and respectfulness of its people. 

 “The main thing is how caring my bosses have been, they care about me as a person, and they care about my family,” Garcia said. 

One of Garcia’s other job responsibilities includes keeping track of all the finances for the agricultural communications student-produced magazine, the Agriculturist. She works with the student advertising manager from the ACOM Block each spring to keep track of the magazine’s advertising sales and payments. 

Scott Burris, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, appreciates Garcia’s work ethic and attitude.

“Amanda is a wonderful colleague,” Burris said. “She makes a valuable contribution to our department through her skills in management and accounting.” 

Burris said Garcia brings a great attitude to work every day and contributes to the caring culture and environment the AEC department is known for across campus and among its alumni. 

“Even more valuable, from my perspective, is her wonderful attitude and personality. She embodies the values of our department, and she is always willing to go beyond, invest in others, and cultivate a collaborative culture.”

Garcia said she always tries to have a smile on her face when she comes to work. 

“Even if I am not having a good day, just smiling at somebody and saying good morning can change their entire day,” Garcia said.  

 The main thing­ is how caring my bosses have been, they care about me as a person, and they care about my family.