Penn State Shenango athletic director named to '30 Under 30' list by Forbes

SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango Athletic Director Amanda Howett joined the campus in 2021 as the department was on the brink of growing from a 2-team program to developing a full portfolio of opportunities for students. For her cumulative experiences at Shenango and several Western Pennsylvania colleges and universities, Howett has been named to Forbes’ 2022 "30 Under 30" list.  

“Finding this position was a dream,” said Howett. “There was amazing support from the campus, alumni society, and the community that have made our rapid expansion possible.”  

Shenango launched its athletic department with men’s basketball and women’s volleyball in 2018 and 2019 respectfully, and started laying the groundwork for women’s basketball shortly thereafter for an inaugural season in 2021. While plans seemed straightforward, the pandemic and additional challenges altered the original project. The launch of the program was ultimately made possible by a $20,000 gift from the Shenango Alumni Society. 

Campus Director Jo Anne Carrick said, “We were so fortunate to have dedicated staff step up during that difficult period. Hiring Amanda brought renewed stability and structure to the department. She joined us at just the right time.”  

After a year of paused athletics during 2020, Howett hit the ground running in January 2021 to support recruitment and coordinate plans for the upcoming season.  

“Being new to campus, it’s been incredible to see the campus and community come together this season,” said Howett. “I’ve worked at all division levels but there’s nothing like a game at the Buhl Club.”  

This unique level of community support sparked the opportunity to establish a co-ed golf team to launch in 2022. The campus turned to the community to raise funding for the program, a call that was answered by 28 individuals whose donations were matched by the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. The fundraiser secured $12,778 and allowed Shenango to solidify the forthcoming launch.  

“I was astounded that the community came together to make this happen,” said Howett. “Discussions about golf started shortly after I entered this role and I instantly knew that I was working with really strategic, passionate leaders in Shenango’s finance and development offices, and at Buhl Park.

“These leaders and community pillars are now researching additional programming opportunities,” Howett continued. “There’s a lot to consider, but the partnerships and Penn State pride are strong. We’re hoping to add a turf sport in the coming years to give students a variety of experiences to participate in.”  

With the addition of three sports since 2018, 14% of the campus’ students are involved in athletics. Launching co-ed golf is anticipated to add a team of 10 students in fall of 2022. 

While Howett is honored to be named among the “30 Under 30,” she is quick to share recognition with many at the Shenango campus and in the community who have been instrumental in developing the athletics department’s success.  

“I’m humbled to receive this honor, but I’m adamant that it takes an entire team pulling in the same direction to accomplish what we have within this past year,” said Howett. “I have had amazing mentors like Dr. Crow from Slippery Rock and coworkers that pour their hearts into their careers. They inspire me to keep pushing. They’re the reason I’m on this list.”  

Howett continued, “As a former student athlete, I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to impact the next generation. I’m excited to collaborate on new offerings so we can engage students and the community. There’s so much potential in the area and we’re just getting started.”  

Carrick echoed Howett’s sentiments, saying, “Launching athletics has been a journey that so many have rallied around. Amanda has joined us with tremendous experience and this accolade of being a ‘trailblazer’ is a sign that we have the right people in place for continued growth.”  

Howett has spanned roles at Slippery Rock University, Allegheny College and West Virginia University. These positions have included the responsibilities of coordinating athletic recreational programming, managing team travel and practice, overseeing gameday workers, serving as a career coach, and coordinating special events for prospective students, alumni and donors.