Allen’s own journey at Gulf Coast began at the Jackson County Campus in 1966. During his time as a student, he excelled in leadership and academics, serving as Student Body President in his second year and becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He was named Mr. Jackson County Campus in his sophomore year. He also contributed his talents as a photographer for both the student newspaper and the yearbook, leaving a lasting impact on campus life.
After graduating in 1968, Allen transferred to the University of Mississippi, where he distinguished himself as the Army ROTC Cadet Corps Commander his senior year. In 1970, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His military service included an active-duty assignment in West Berlin before returning to Ole Miss to pursue a Juris Doctor degree, which he completed in 1977. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar the same year.
Allen continued to strengthen his education throughout his career, earning an MBA from Tulane University in 1989 and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Tax Law from the University of Alabama in 2010. Professionally, he began in private practice before joining Getty Oil in Houston, later moving to Exxon with assignments in New Orleans and Houston. In 1995, he returned to private practice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, first with Page, Mannino, Peresich & McDermott in Biloxi and later as “Of Counsel” with Heidelberg, Steinberger, Burrow & Armer P.A. in Pascagoula, where he continues to serve today.
His commitment to service extends beyond his professional accomplishments. Allen is Vice Chair of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Foundation and will assume the role of Chair later this year. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Walter Anderson Museum, contributes to the Endowment Committee at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, and has been an active Rotarian for more than 30 years, honored as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
Allen and his wife, Mary Ruth, have been married for 29 years and reside in Ocean Springs. His lifelong dedication to education, community service, and professional excellence reflects the very best of MGCCC’s legacy, making him a distinguished member of the 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame.
