Staff Directory
- Title:
- Associate Athletic Director, External Initiatives and Special Projects
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-973-2263
Amy (Niceswanger) Anderson has served Pitt Athletics in a wide variety of external relations roles, spanning from development and marketing to corporate and campus relations. Her impressive experience is invaluable to the Panthers’ strategic planning and partnership initiatives.
She has a significant focus on the leadership and management of special projects for the external relations team. Among her recent notable successes are the launch of H2P Magazine, named a 2023 CUPPIE award winner; implementing the first-ever Student Panther Club; and being appointed to influential roles on numerous campus-wide and Pitt Athletics committees.
Prior to this role, Anderson oversaw the Panther Club Athletic Scholarship Fund and the day-to-day management of the development operations. Anderson thrives on identifying, growing and sustaining relationships with Pitt supporters who share her passion for the University of Pittsburgh and wants to help Pitt student-athletes succeed. Anderson also provided direction to the Pitt Varsity Letter Club and assisted with activities related to generating annual scholarship revenue in support of Pitt’s 19 varsity sports. Upon graduation from Pitt, Anderson began her career as a marketing coordinator for Pitt Athletics and was promoted to the development office a year later where she served in numerous capacities within the Annual Fund and Major Giving.
During Anderson’s tenure in the development office, she worked closely with her colleagues to effectively cultivate and manage donor relationships resulting in a greater than 300 percent increase in dollars to the annual fund and nearly tripling the number of donors.
In addition to her work with the annual fund, Anderson secured numerous first-time major gifts for Pitt Athletics in the areas of Endowed Scholarships and Capital Projects. She served as the lead Development representative from Pitt Stadium to Heinz Field (including one year at Three Rivers Stadium) and from Fitzgerald Fieldhouse to the Petersen Events Center.
During her time at Pitt, Anderson also led a number of key development-related areas including Panther Club Chapters, Luxury Suites at both Heinz Field and the Petersen Events Center, Panther Club Special Events, Wheels of Support and the Pitt Varsity Letter Club.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences and Katz Graduate School of Business, Anderson was a member of the Pitt Dance Team and served as captain when the team achieved a national ranking of fifth in the country. She was also a three-time world champion member of the Modernettes, a baton twirling corp based in Finleyville, Pa.
A Pittsburgh native, Anderson resides in the city with her husband, Steve, and their children Sydney Laurel and Shane Layton.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
It is hard to pick one moment.
11/8/03 – #5 Virginia Tech @ #25 Pitt – One of the most electric atmosphere’s I have ever seen at Heinz Field when Lousaka Polite punched it into the endzone with 47 seconds remaining to go ahead 31-28. WOW!
3/7/09 - #1 UCONN @ #4 Pitt; Final Score Pitt 70 – UCONN 60. I cannot recall a time at the Petersen Events Center when I have had more fun! The Zoo and the fans were AMAZING. One of my favorite Pitt teams EVER!
11/18/23; 12/9/23: Pitt Volleyball with the reverse sweep TWICE!
And let’s not forget 13-9 or 43-42!
What do you love most about working in Athletics?
The relationships I have developed with our donors. They all have amazing stories to tell about their love for Pitt. They are my extended family and I cherish those relationships.
If you could have dinner with any three people who would it be and why?
Two people - My father’s parents as they passed away when I was a baby. I would love to hear about their time on Earth and introduce them to my husband and children.
Favorite Quote?
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be Kind” - Fred Rogers
Hobbies outside of work?
Traveling with my family (Barcelona ranks as my favorite), catching a show in the Cultural District, attending dance & yoga classes and sharing many laughs and love with my amazing family and friends.
