Serving as liaison between the student body and college professionals, Andre W. Allen is dean of students at Methodist College of UnityPoint Health, overseeing student programming, campus housing, career services, student conduct, volunteerism and Title IX duties. Prior to being promoted to this position in 2017, he served as student life and career services coordinator at Methodist College, and he previously served in higher education roles at Eastern Illinois University and Illinois State University.
Working with students from diverse backgrounds, Allen helps them achieve their academic and career goals. As chair of the Diversity Committee, he coordinates campus diversity initiatives, developing programming and coordinating campaigns to promote a culture of inclusivity and social justice.
Outside of the workplace, Allen serves on the board of directors of the Peoria Public Schools Foundation, where he is focused on strengthening the Adopt-A-School program and volunteering at various fundraisers. He is a member of the Horizons Club, a lunchtime career exploration opportunity for middle-school students, and founder of the Jaguars Squad Male Mentoring Program at Sterling Middle School, a program for sixth-grade boys to learn life skills for success through programming, guest lecturers and positive engagement. He is also a member of the Alignment Peoria College & Career Readiness Team, co-chairing a mentoring program that will soon launch to match mentors with the school district’s new internship program for at-risk students. In his spare time, he volunteers as a guest speaker at schools throughout Peoria.
Allen is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Kappa Pi Lambda chapter, where he volunteers to assist youth in educational workshops, community programs and career seminars. He is also a radio personality with Strictly Hip-Hop 90.7FM on the Chopp1n It Up Weekly Sports Show and co-creator of the Central Illinois Sneakerfest, a family-friendly event that promotes the love of sneakers. He enjoys spending time with his wife Jaleesha, their four-year-old daughter Barbie Marie, and newborn son Dreyton. iBi
