Amanda Mink

Growing up in Tennessee in a military family, accounting major Amanda Mink followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the United States Air Force.

Mink and her father were able to bond over Air Force “airplane stories.” He always stressed the importance of an education, she says.

“He always wanted me to go to college for a better opportunity,” she says. “I want people to know the educational benefits of serving in the military. My undergraduate education is completely paid for by the US government.”

“ When I came to Towson, I felt wanted as a person. ”

Previously stationed at both Andrews and Lackland Air Force bases and a veteran of multiple deployments, she retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after serving her country for 24 years. After her retirement from the military, she began taking classes at Anne Arundel Community College where she met Associate Professor of Accounting Aru Rao, Ph.D., who inspired her not only to come to TU, but also to major in accounting.

Mink says she came to TU and the College of Business and Economics because of the culture and has stayed for the same reasons. She’s also benefited from the great resources and connections provided by TU’s Military and Veterans Center.

“When I came to Towson, I felt wanted as a person”, she says. “I love the students at Towson and I have made good friends. It has been a great experience getting to know and working with millennials.”

Mink’s background in the Air Force has taught her many transferable skills including time management.

“I can effectively list everything I need to do and tackle it by plugging items into available time slots,” she says.

Mink has had the opportunity to intern for Arthur Bell, a regional CPA firm, as well as the Management Advisory and Compliance Services Department of Towson University. Upon graduation, she would like to pursue a career in cost accounting or somehow merge her accounting skills into the environmental science industry. She has a strong passion for environmental science, serving as a volunteer for Jugbay Wetlands Sanctuary. She isn’t ruling out returning to TU after graduation to continue her education in environmental science.

Even though she has seen the world and had a lot of experience during her military service, Mink says what she is most looking forward to is completing her studies and walking across the stage during commencement.

“Wherever I end up, I will be grateful,” she says. “Live a grateful life and good things will happen. Don’t expect the world to come to you. . . . you make your life.”

By Lisa Simmons ’93, Lecturer