UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Amy Allen, associate dean for faculty affairs and advancement in the College of the Liberal Arts and distinguished professor of philosophy and women's, gender, and sexuality studies at Penn State, has been selected as a 2024-26 Mellon Academic Leadership Fellow. The fellowship is part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s initiative designed to cultivate academic leadership skills among faculty members poised for senior roles within major research universities.
“This fellowship represents a tremendous opportunity to deepen my understanding of the challenges facing higher education today and to develop the skills necessary to lead effectively in this environment,” Allen said of her selection. Her academic expertise spans 20th-century European philosophy, social and political theory, and feminist theory, with a prolific output that includes five books and eight edited volumes, along with numerous articles and book chapters translated into multiple languages.
Allen’s significant academic and administrative achievements include her previous role as head of the Philosophy Department from 2015 to 2021, where she led initiatives that significantly diversified the discipline. Her efforts were nationally recognized and supported by an $800,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation in 2017, highlighting her commitment to enhancing diversity in academia.
“Dr. Allen is exceptionally deserving of this prestigious appointment,” said Kathy Beischke, vice provost for Faculty Affairs at Penn State. “Her dedication to enhancing faculty development and success, coupled with her commitment to diversity and equity, aligns perfectly with the goals of the Mellon Fellowship.”
The fellowship program will allow Allen to engage with peers and mentors through seminars and meetings, discussing a wide array of topics relevant to academic leadership such as strategic planning, budgeting, and crisis management. It also includes a practical year of shadowing a senior Penn State leader, providing her with invaluable insights into the nuances of university administration.
Allen’s extensive leadership experience includes serving as executive co-director of the Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, and co-editor in chief of Constellations: An International Journal of Critical and Democratic Theory. She is also the general editor of the Columbia University Press book series "New Directions in Critical Theory." Among her numerous accolades is the 2021 Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts and Humanities at Penn State, recognizing her substantial contributions to the field.
“Participating in this program will undoubtedly contribute to my growth as an academic leader,” Allen said. “I am eager to bring insights and strategies back to Penn State that will help us navigate the future more effectively.”
The BTAA and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation continue to support the development of innovative leadership in academia through this fellowship, recognizing the pivotal role leaders play in shaping the future of higher education amidst evolving educational landscapes.