Utah Valley University has selected a new dean of the Woodbury School of Business: Robert D. Allen, Ph.D., a long-time faculty member at the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. Dr. Allen will begin his new role on Jan. 1, 2023.

“Dr. Allen is a talented scholar who has a passion for teaching and has focused his career on helping students succeed,” said Wayne Vaught, UVU provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “We are delighted to have him join Utah Valley University and take the helm of the Woodbury School of Business, the largest business school in the state.”

Dr. Allen currently serves as a faculty advisor for the Opportunity Scholars Program (OSP) at the University of Utah. The program provides scholarships and other support for first-generation students and students from underrepresented groups. The OSP has consistently achieved a 90% graduation rate for students in the program. Before that, Dr. Allen was director of the School of Accounting at the University of Utah. His research has focused on the areas of auditing and accounting education.

“My career has been a wonderful collaboration with students, faculty, alumni, university administration, local community leaders, and international academic bodies,” Dr. Allen said. “I look forward to continuing that work at UVU as we continue to build on the success of this great, nationally recognized business school.”

An active member of the American Accounting Association, Dr. Allen completed a term as president of the organization in August 2022. A hallmark of his work with the AAA was identifying and addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within the association.

Dr. Allen holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in accounting from Michigan State University. Dr. Allen is active in the community, has served on the Board of Directors for CIT Bank, and is the past board president of The Road Home.