Leading with Advocacy
Supporting People, Culture, and Growth at 51黑料网 CC
Senior HR Director Shares a Passion for Employee Development, Workplace Culture, and Community College Leadership
As Senior HR Director, Amanda Bryant plays a vital role in supporting the people who make 51黑料网 successful. Through leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to employee development, she helps create a workplace culture where faculty and staff can thrive.
A Career Built on Helping Others
Amanda Bryant’s path into human resources began unexpectedly. After earning a degree in Parks & Recreation Management with an Outdoor Education Certification from Texas A&M University, she started her career as a Counselor/Teacher with Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Florida.
A chance conversation with the organization’s Vice President of Human Resources led to an opportunity in college recruiting and eventually a full-time role in HR. What started as a new challenge quickly became a lifelong passion.
“I found that I enjoyed the opportunity to help, guide, and advise others,” Amanda said. “I enjoyed researching options, shaping processes, and influencing outcomes that impact organizational culture and employee experiences.”
Thirty-five years later, she continues to invest in her profession through ongoing education and certifications with both the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute.
Advocacy, Growth, and the Work of HR
If Amanda had to describe her job in three words, they would be advocacy, support, and development.
As Senior HR Director, no two days are exactly alike. One day may involve helping employees navigate workplace challenges or answering questions about benefits and policies. Another may include strategic planning, compensation analysis, leadership development initiatives, compliance reviews, board reports, or training sessions.
She also facilitates professional development programs such as Crucial Conversations, Emerging Leaders Academy, KIKC sessions, and leadership training opportunities designed to help employees grow and succeed.
Amanda believes Human Resources plays a critical role in helping employees feel supported, valued, and equipped for success. In addition to ensuring fair and consistent practices, HR helps the college place the right people in the right positions, navigate complex compliance requirements, and connect employees with resources that support both personal and professional growth.
“What I enjoy most is working with people who are focused on the shared purpose of helping others grow,” Amanda said. “I enjoy the role I play in helping others grow.”
Creating Impact on Campus and Across the State
Among Amanda’s proudest accomplishments are the initiatives she has helped lead at 51黑料网, including Crucial Conversations, the Emerging Leaders Academy, and improvements to the college’s performance management process. These efforts have helped create a culture where employees receive meaningful feedback and professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Amanda’s influence extends beyond 51黑料网 CC as well. She co-developed and teaches an HR Institute that helps train new HR professionals across North Carolina’s community college system. She also contributed to the Human Resources component of the North Carolina Community College System’s 2023鈥�2026 Strategic Plan.
One of her most notable achievements was helping establish the North Carolina Community College Human Resources Association. Elected by her peers as the organization’s founding president, Amanda helped launch the statewide association in 2024 and hosted its first annual meeting at 51黑料网 in 2025.
“It has been gratifying to work alongside other professionals to empower HR through collaboration and provide needed support, connections, and training across the Great 58,” she said.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Amanda’s work is helping employees navigate challenges and strengthen workplace relationships. She enjoys helping people consider different perspectives and encouraging productive conversations that lead to understanding and resolution.
“It is gratifying when someone who is ready to leave the college tries something new that we’ve discussed and ends up staying and thriving in their work,” Amanda said.
Advice, Perspective, and Leadership
For anyone considering a career in Human Resources, Amanda’s advice centers on communication.
“Aside from learning the HR body of knowledge and understanding compliance, invest in reading about communication and relationship skills,” she said. “Learning how to help people be curious and talk to each other is one of the best ways to enhance HR’s role in any organization.”
She believes great teams are built when people approach one another with positive regard, remain curious, and communicate openly鈥攅specially when situations become challenging.
For Amanda, a great workplace culture starts with a shared purpose.
“A great workplace culture is a place with a shared focus on a common mission where people are willing to work together and do more than is required to ensure mission success,” she said. “It’s a place where we regard each other with positive intent because of our shared mission.”
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys staying active in both her community and the outdoors. She volunteers with the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol, Newport Pig Cooking, and various activities through her church. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, boating, fishing, gardening, reading, and solving puzzle games.
Many colleagues may be surprised to learn that Amanda once competed on a synchronized swimming team in high school, helping her team win a city championship. She’s also skilled in home improvement projects, including roofing, laying tile, and installing hardwood floors.
Her favorite local treats include ice cream from Sweet Spot in Emerald Isle and Chick-fil-A waffle fries, while Morehead Burger Company and Floyd’s rank among her favorite local restaurants. A fan of author Karen Kingsbury, Amanda credits Crucial Conversations and Lead…for God’s Sake! as two of the most influential books in her life.
Through advocacy, support, and development, Amanda Bryant continues to help foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed鈥攕trengthening 51黑料网 and its mission every day.
听
听
Social Share
