Dr. Tony Allen presidential tenure
A new leadership chapter for Delaware State University begins on New Year’s Day, as Dr. Tony Allen becomes the institution’s 12th President in its 129-year history. Allen succeeds Dr. Wilma Mishoe, who in September announced her retirement at the end of 2019.
Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Devona Williams notes that since he arrived at the institution in the summer of 2017 as Executive Vice President and Provost, “Tony has proven himself time and again with the imagination, tenacity, and integrity he brought to Delaware State University.”
In less than two years, Williams says, “Tony has materially strengthened our academic and research enterprise. He has a complete understanding of the challenges and opportunities in higher education, and particularly what it takes for students at a Historically Black College or University to succeed in academics, in establishing a career, and in life.”
The Board Chair added that “Tony will definitely be a non-traditional President. His strengths in business operations, organizational development, and collaboration with stakeholders combine to give our University a transformational leader who will shape its future growth.”
At Delaware State University, Dr. Allen’s drive and belief in the possibilities of the First State’s only HBCU have enabled him to achieve numerous advancements in only two years in that leadership post. He has set a comprehensive tone on campus by widely and consistently stating that “It all matters.”
As Provost and Executive Vice President, Dr. Allen led the redesign of the University’s academic colleges, the consolidation of academic advising assets under the Office of Student Success, and realigned the priorities of Academic Affairs to make them consistent with the University’s strategic goals and key performance indicators.
He was also instrumental in the formation of a Strategic Enrollment Division that, for the first time in the institution’s history, places all front-end student services in one seamless organization. Dr. Allen was strongly involved in the strengthening of checks and balances that protect the University from liabilities.
With a long-term view toward the future, as Provost he has developed a plan to increase the University’s annual research portfolio from $20 million to $35 million in the next 5-7 years, as well as new educational, governmental, community and business partnerships to better position Delaware State University as a broad-based leader in the region.
Dr. Allen’s appointment as University President is the pinnacle of a prolific and storied career in education, corporate America, public service, urban affairs, and as a Congressional staffer.
Dr. Allen’s wealth of corporate business acumen has energized his leadership style at the University. Before his arrival, he employed his talents at Bank of America from 2006-2017, where he served first as a Communication Executive and culminated his time as the Managing Director of Corporate Reputation. From 2004-2006, Dr. Allen worked for MBNA America Bank in Wilmington, where he was a General Manager for the Vice President, and later elevated to Executive Vice President.
He was the founding President of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League from 2000-2004, where he advanced a strategic agenda that impacted 100,000 Delawareans. His work there earned him the National Urban League’s highest honor – the Whitney M. Young Award for Advancing Racial Equality.
He served as a speechwriter and Special Assistant for the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (then-U.S. Senator for Delaware) from 1997-2000. He also has been a Senior Policy Fellow for the University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration from 2003-present.
Delaware Gov. John Carney, who notes that he has known Dr. Allen for 25 years, said he is confident that the right person has been found to lead Delaware State University at this “exciting time” in the institution’s history.
“For 128 years, the University has created a unique pathway for Delaware students from all different backgrounds and experiences to get a world-class education and then stay right here to contribute to our success as a State,” Gov. Carney said. “Tony understands that the University’s role today is helping to build our workforce, while having both a social and economic impact on Delaware.”
Dr. Alexa S. Silver, Chairperson of the University’s Faculty Senate and Professor of History and Political Science, said the faculty is excited about Dr. Allen’s ascendancy to University President.
“Dr. Mishoe has done a great job, and we are so grateful for her tireless efforts,” Dr. Silver said. “Tony has already distinguished himself as our Provost over the past two years, and I am sure that his enormous energy and vision will move DSU even further forward. Great things are happening at DSU, and it all matters!”