Amanda Landes graduated from the National School of Oratory and Elocution in Philadelphia in 1880. She continued her education at Millersville where she graduated from as the valedictorian of the Class of 1885. Her academic excellence led to her appointment at Millersville as a professor of English, rhetoric, and elocution soon after graduating. During the course of her 25 year career at Millersville, she also served as Preceptress. Professor Landes remained unmarried choosing to devote all her energy to, in her words, “nurturing the Millersville students.” She founded the Lancaster County chapter of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. After her death in 1929 a sundial was erected in her memory. A dorm hall on campus was named in her honor; however this building was later renovated and renamed the Stayer Education Center. Now, the north wing of the former West Village is named in her honor.
