Dr. Amanda Stuckey Helps Central Penn Students See What Is Possible

Dr. Amanda Stuckey teaches literature, information literacy and research methods at Central Penn College. But beneath every assignment, classroom discussion and research project, she is also teaching something deeper: trust.

Trust gives students the confidence to ask questions, take on difficult work and see abilities in themselves that they may not have recognized before.

For Dr. Stuckey, building that trust is an essential part of preparing students for success in college, in their careers and throughout their lives.

“I got really lucky to be at a place like Central Penn that values teacher-student interactions and teaching values that align with my own student-centered approach,” she said.

That dedication to her students earned Dr. Stuckey the Todd A. Milano Faculty Excellence Award during Central Penn College’s May 1, 2026, Commencement ceremony.

An Award Shaped by Student Experiences

The award came as a surprise to Dr. Stuckey, although she became suspicious when she noticed her husband, Andrew, and their children, Owen and Evelyn, sitting inside the Forum Auditorium.

Her parents, who are both former teachers, were also there to watch her receive the honor.

“It was quite an honor. I’m very honored and grateful,” Dr. Stuckey said. “Coming from the students was the most meaningful thing.”

The Todd A. Milano Faculty Excellence Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to teaching and student success.

During Commencement, Dr. Brant Ellsworth shared comments from students who nominated Dr. Stuckey for the award.

“When we looked at the nominations, a clear theme emerged: Dr. Stuckey doesn’t just teach; she inspires,” he said.

One student said Dr. Stuckey had “single-handedly changed my perspective on learning.” Others described the time she spends helping students outside the classroom and her ability to turn complex assignments into a manageable journey.

Students also praised her energy, encouragement and commitment to making sure no one is left behind.

“Whether she is ensuring every student feels included or bringing an infectious intellectual energy to the classroom, Dr. Stuckey makes the difficult work of growth feel possible,” the nomination stated.

The nomination also recognized her work as a scholar, advisor to Gamma Beta Phi and educator who thoughtfully brings new technology into the classroom.

“At a time when many are wary of new technology, Dr. Stuckey leaned in, thoughtfully integrating generative AI into her courses to ensure her students are not just writers, but responsible, tech-literate creators,” Dr. Ellsworth said.

Those skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace. By teaching students how to research, evaluate information, communicate clearly and use emerging technology responsibly, Dr. Stuckey helps prepare them for careers that will continue to change.

Helping Students Discover Their Potential

Dr. Stuckey began teaching at Central Penn during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside fellow professor Flora Armetta.

Starting during a period of remote learning made it more difficult to build personal connections with students. It also challenged Dr. Stuckey to discover new ways to support online learners and create meaningful classroom experiences from a distance.

She has continued to build on those lessons.

Dr. Stuckey previously received Central Penn’s Faculty Member of the Quarter Award. One student nomination included a sentence she still remembers:

“She saw something in me that I never saw in myself.”

The words were meaningful, but they also caused Dr. Stuckey to reflect on what might happen when students do not have someone encouraging them.

Some students arrive at college after difficult educational experiences. Others may never have received the personal validation, attention or support they needed to recognize their own abilities.

Dr. Stuckey is committed to changing that.

Her approach reflects Central Penn College’s belief that students should be known, supported and prepared to move forward. In a close-knit learning environment, faculty members have the opportunity to understand each student’s goals, challenges and strengths.

For Dr. Stuckey, that means supporting the whole student, not just evaluating the work they submit.

Trust Is Built Through Small Actions

Dr. Stuckey said trust is not created through one large gesture. It develops through consistent, everyday actions.

It means responding to emails, remembering names and looking students in the eye so they know they have been seen and heard.

It also means being honest.

Dr. Stuckey holds herself accountable when she makes a mistake and speaks openly about the personal and professional challenges that educators sometimes face. That honesty helps students see her as a real person who is working alongside them.

Central Penn’s accelerated 11-week terms can move quickly. Students and professors must work together, communicate clearly and remain focused on their goals.

That fast pace makes trust, accountability and personal support especially important.

Dr. Stuckey also recognizes that student success is a team effort. She credits fellow faculty members, athletic coaches, Public Safety, college leadership and other members of the Central Penn community for helping students overcome obstacles and remain on track.

Building Skills That Last Beyond the Classroom

One of Dr. Stuckey’s favorite upper-level courses is Literature and Health.

In the course, students examine literature while developing skills in analysis, critical thinking and information evaluation. Those abilities can help students long after the term ends, regardless of the career field they choose.

An unfamiliar poem or short story may initially seem disconnected from a student’s career goals. Dr. Stuckey helps students discover the deeper value within the material.

Literature can teach empathy, self-awareness, communication and the ability to understand different perspectives. It can also help students become stronger researchers, problem-solvers and decision-makers.

These human-centered skills remain valuable in healthcare, business, communications, public service and nearly every other industry.

“Central Penn is a perfect place to develop human-centered thinking skills,” Dr. Stuckey said. “You learn soft skills and develop relationships.”

At Central Penn, career preparation involves more than learning technical information. Students also develop the communication, critical-thinking and interpersonal skills employers expect.

A Student-Centered Career

Dr. Stuckey earned her bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the College of William & Mary. She earned her master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia.

Before joining Central Penn, she taught at Kutztown University, where larger class sizes sometimes made it more difficult to provide the personal attention that has become central to her teaching style.

At Central Penn, students are the primary focus.

Whether she is teaching three students or 30, Dr. Stuckey welcomes the experiences and perspectives they bring into the classroom. She learns from those experiences while helping students connect course material to their own lives and career goals.

That student-centered approach is one reason she believes strongly in the value of college.

Students and parents sometimes ask her whether earning a degree is still worth the investment. Her answer is an enthusiastic yes.

College gives students the opportunity to build knowledge, strengthen career-ready skills, create professional relationships and better understand themselves and the world around them.

At Central Penn, those opportunities are supported by accelerated programs, faculty members with real-world experience and a community focused on helping students reach their goals.

“You Belong Here”

Dr. Stuckey encourages students and aspiring educators to take advantage of every opportunity to learn within their field.

She also makes a point to celebrate student progress, whether it comes through a major accomplishment or a small step forward.

Her work reflects what Central Penn College aims to provide every student: an education that is personal, practical and focused on what comes next.

Students are challenged to grow, but they do not have to do it alone.

“You belong here,” Dr. Stuckey tells them, “even if you think you don’t.”