Charles and Anne Allen share a love of education and support the College of Education and Health Professions in numerous ways. Photo by Stone Ridge Photographers.
Allens Show Educators' Love for University
December, 2009
Charles and Anne Allen of Little Rock say they have "The Hill syndrome." They just can't stay away from the University of Arkansas campus. Though their paths to the hill were quite different, they made it here and their hearts have never left.
"There was never any question of where I was going to college," said Anne, who went on to receive her bachelor's, master's and educational specialist degrees from the university. "I had Razorback blood running through me from a young age. I like to say we were into tailgating before tailgating was anything to speak of."
Having her name on Senior Walk was such an honor, in fact, that Anne wanted everyone in her family to have a similar opportunity. Her father is an alumnus, and her mother worked so he could finish school. So, when the Arkansas Alumni Association was in the process of building the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House, she had a chance to purchase sidewalk bricks so her mother and her husband could have their names permanently etched into the landscape of the school she so loves.
"I graduated from Arkansas State, but I always wanted a personal affiliation to the University of Arkansas," said Charles. "For as long as I can remember, I have loved the sports programs here, so I have felt like a part of the campus even though I don't hold a degree from here. I did, however, complete coursework to receive my administrator's certification at the U of A."
Charles and Anne Allen, from left, joined Gen and Frank Broyles and Dean Weber at a College of Education and Health Professions event. Photo by Beth Hall
The Allens also share a love of education, regardless of the school name on their multiple diplomas. Charles is the chief administrative officer for the Arkansas Correction School System. Anne retired after teaching students from the elementary ages all the way through higher education, and she sees her experience as a college professor to be very similar to the mindset that was required when she taught first graders.
"In both situations, you can mold minds," she said. "They are sitting in your classroom, waiting to learn and wanting to think. It's awfully rewarding."
As a member of the Dean's Advisory Council in the College of Education and Health Professions, Anne volunteers her time to help guide the future of the college and to improve experiences for students. The couple recently committed to establish the Charles F. and V. Anne Hart Allen Endowed Scholarship in the college, and they are lifetime members of the Arkansas Alumni Association.
"We've all received help along the way, whether it is financial or otherwise," said Charles. "I'm glad to have the opportunity to give back to the world of education, which has given so much to me and my family."
"I see giving back as my responsibility to the future," said Anne. "I relate it to my role at my church, actually. When I was younger, a group of people at my church made sure everything ran smoothly so I could enjoy the experience. Well, this isn't that different. Now I'm in a position to help things run smoothly, so those who follow can enjoy their experiences. It's just part of my duty while I'm here."
By Danielle Strickland, manager of development communications
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