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Teaching future physician assistants is something , associate professor and program director and chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, plans to do for as long as possible.

That commitment is reflected in Allen’s selection as one of the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence–Sustained.

 “My career trajectory in education has been the result of an overriding desire to help others become better health care providers,” Allen said. “The gravity and weight of responsibility that comes with the practice of medicine have been a driving force in helping others to become lifelong learners and in achieving my goal of being a teacher of teachers.” 

Allen became a physician assistant while serving in the U.S. Army. His responsibilities included leading postgraduate education for the U.S. Army Physician Assistant branch. Allen, who retired as a major from the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps after 27 years of military service, received the Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Service to the Institution in 2022. 

The annual Presidential Excellence Awards were established in 1985 to recognize individuals who consistently excel in their positions and demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and core values of ������. 

This year’s Presidential Excellence Award recipients will be honored with a plaque and cash award at a dinner in April. Find the full list of 2024 Presidential Award winners