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Ben Allen is a model for first-generation college students. Raised in a single-parent household with two siblings, he knew how hard his mother worked in the office at Western Electric. He worked on his grandparents’ farm and concentrated his energies on doing well in school. Though he now enjoys the distinction of becoming the ninth president in UNI history, the beginnings of his love for academics are still apparent when he recalls being in a two-way race for high school valedictorian.

As a high school junior, Ben’s aptitude for journalism earned him the editorship of the Franklin Central High School (Indianapolis) newspaper. Like any self-respecting provocateur he penned editorials that were “somewhat critical” of the superintendent. His opinions got him fired. (“I thought I was right, and I still do,” he says.) Showing entrepreneurial spirit he and two friends started an independent paper—The Franklin Township Herald—that today remains a community newspaper.
A pretty good varsity basketball player in high school, Ben was scouted as ‘too slow’ for the big-time. When he headed for college, he said, “I knew my competitive advantage would be academics.”

The economic realities of his youth inspired him to study business economics as an undergraduate. After graduation he briefly considered a job in banking. “I knew deep down I really liked being an academic and I liked research,” he said. “So I kept going to college and got some good advice from faculty who urged me to consider a Ph.D.”

A low Selective Service lottery number during the Vietnam War years delayed that pursuit. Drafted into the U.S. Army, the economics student became a military policeman and confinement specialist stationed in the States. The first economics class he ever taught was to prisoners in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

President Allen credits his mother, 90, with being a major role model in his life due to her work ethic and love of reading. He also took time to write a letter of thanks to a boyhood teacher/coach who nurtured his self-confidence and his willingness to take the right kind of risks. He is particularly appreciative of his Ph.D. adviser: “He said at higher levels of competition I would find a lot of people who were at least as smart as I am, so I should get used to it. He was successful, but humble. He told me, ‘do this for the love of the work, not the recognition.’

“I could name many role models, but working under Martin Jischke and Greg Geoffroy (former and current Iowa State University presidents, respectively) really prepared me for this job.”

Many of President Allen’s leadership challenges presently will have economic elements at their core. He is enthusiastic about helping UNI flourish as a comprehensive university. “The people who work here are passionate about it, and they know what this university is about,” he said. “I like the student focus at UNI. It’s the right focus, and that really helps in allocating resources.”

On the job since June 5, the president already has a daunting schedule, but the Allens are making time to explore their new surroundings. “We love this community,” he said. “It has a richness and diversity that you don’t find everywhere. We just enjoy driving around.” Avid walkers and bicycle enthusiasts, the Allens are sure to be seen on Cedar Valley’s trail system.

Pat and Ben Allen met in high school, married in college and recently celebrated their 39th anniversary. They have one child, Jessica, who has an engineering degree from Northwestern University. Jess July 11, 2008 er, Avery (2). Pat, a former marathon runner, holds an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Illinois, a master’s in English from Iowa State, and an RN degree through Des Moines Area Community College. She worked as a nurse for many years and taught English in community college. Her record of community service and support is extensive. Most recently she served on the United Way Board of Directors and is active with the League of Women Voters and Hospice. She served on the Story County Hospital Board for six years.

Benjamin J. Allen’s official installation as president of UNI will take place Friday, September 29, 2006.
Welcome, President and Mrs. Allen, to the University of Northern Iowa!

—Denton Ketels

More from our conversation with UNI President Benjamin Allen coming soon.

Maintained by the UNI Alumni Association
Last Modified: July 11, 2008