Johnnie Allen Jr.

“Johnnie Allen Jr. is a first-generation doctoral candidate in higher education who has continuously served FSU in numerous leadership roles. His research focuses on the leadership experiences and development of students of color in higher education. Amongst Allen’s publications are an article with Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life Freddy Juarez “(Re)designing leadership engagement to center learners,” published in the New Directions for Student Leadership journal and a co-edited special issue in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Leadership Studies. Allen instructs students at FSU as a graduate teaching and research assistant, adviser and instructor at the Leadership Learning Research Center (LLRC) and teaches the undergraduate certificate and leadership studies program . Outside of FSU, Allen is a presidential intern for ACPA–College Student Educators International, where he plans leadership summits and prepares his own panels for ACPA symposiums. Why did you choose Florida State University? I chose to attend FSU because of the faculty, staff and students in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies’ Higher Education program. I learned about the Higher Education program from Higher Education Associate Professor Cameron C. Beatty. Together, we would discuss professional development opportunities, doctoral programs and advice on navigating higher education as a Black man. For me, these early conversations and meetings highlighted his sincere care and interest in supporting my personal goals through an early mentoring relationship. Currently, Professor Beatty is my dissertation chair, adviser, mentor and research collaborator. He solidified my decision to choose FSU, as he assured me that I would continue to be supported professionally, personally and academically. Why did you choose to pursue a degree in higher education? I chose higher education because of my undergraduate experiences. I was heavily involved in fraternity and sorority life, housing and new student orientation while working at the Black Cultural Center at Indiana University Bloomington. Those experiences sparked a passion for student affairs, and I realized I could pursue it as a career. I earned a master’s in higher education student affairs and am currently a doctoral candidate. I also co-edited journals with colleagues, which was an excellent way to practice editorial skills and prepare for my professional career in higher education. How do you serve the FSU community? When considering how I positively contribute to the FSU community, I reflect on my work at the LLRC. I am an instructor and adviser within the undergraduate certificate and leadership studies program. During my tenure, I teach approximately 100 undergraduate students in person, primarily through courses such as Black Male Leadership, Leadership and Ethics, and Leadership and Change. Additionally, I serve as a teaching assistant for two of the core online leadership courses in the certificate program which supports 60 students a semester. I have enjoyed each experience, as the undergraduate students at FSU are constant reminders of why I chose a career path in higher education. I hear from past students about how our leadership readings and discussions have impacted their leadership positions on and off campus. I enjoy hearing about their jobs and internship opportunities, continued personal growth and development as leaders and people. The post Johnnie Allen Jr. appeared first on Florida State University News .

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