Dr. Stephen Allen
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Name
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Dr. Stephen Allen
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Date
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Acting Vice President of Student Services, 2013 - 2015
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, 2010 - 2012
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Bio
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As a student at Southern Utah University, Dr. Stephen Allen was inspired by talented educators such as Sterling Church, Mindy Benson, Steve Bennion, Sandra Lord (Thomas), and others. By the time he graduated from SUU, he knew he wanted a career in higher education. His mentor, Vice President Church, introduced him to a graduate program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that specialized in student affairs. At Nebraska, Stephen took his first job in admissions after completing a master's degree. He also obtained his Ph.D. in higher education leadership at UNL.
In 2003, Dr. Allen accepted a position at SUU as the Executive Director of Enrollment Management. When the Vice President for Student Services, Donna Eddleman, announced her resignation in 2012, Dr. Allen was asked to serve as the interim Vice President for Student Affairs, which included Enrollment Management. He served as the interim Vice President from 2012 through 2014. It was a transitional time for the University, including the departure of Mike Benson, an interim president (Rich Kendall), and a new president (Scott Wyatt).
Dr. Allen played a key role in helping the University develop and implement high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students. During his time as the interim Vice President, student services incorporated meaningful learning outcomes throughout the division. In April 2014, the University’s accrediting body, NWCCU, produced its year seven peer review report. Student Affairs was given a glowing commendation in the report which said in part, “The Division of Student Services is to be commended for the broad scale infusion of articulated student learning outcomes into the portfolio of the services that it offers. The division stands as a model for the measurement of meaningful indicators of achievement that have led to program improvements.”
During Dr. Allen’s tenure, SUU experienced the highest average composite ACT (23) score and highest average GPA (3.49) for an incoming class up to that point in the University’s history. Stephen was known as a professional who cultivated relationships and reached out to departments and organizations outside of student services to collaborate and improve the student experience. What he loved most about his time as the interim Vice President were the opportunities to connect with students and work with talented professionals within the division.
Dr. Stephen Allen