Wilmington civic leader named Delaware State University’s new Provost

Delaware State University President Harry L. Williams announced Tony Allen as the university’s new Provost.
Allen, a well-respected bank executive and civic leader in Wilmington, will start the role Aug. 15.
“I am extraordinarily grateful to President Williams, the Search Committee and the entire Delaware State University community for this tremendous chance to join an institution I have watched undergo an unmistakable transformation under President Williams’ leadership,” Allen said in a statement.
Moving into the new role, which requires the 47-year-old to lead a staff of 212 professors from 21 academic departments and serve more than 4,600 undergraduate and graduate students, Allen is determined to keep the end goal in mind — supporting the success of students, promoting the scholarship of DSU and contributing to the community, in Delaware and beyond.

“Delaware State University’s future depends on its success in meeting the challenges of a changing environment for higher education, and a more connected global community,” Allen said. “Addressing these challenges requires higher levels of innovation, a strong institutional profile and the development of a unique and stable niche in an increasingly competitive and turbulent marketplace.”
In a statement, Gov. John Carney said Allen’s knowledge and skill set will allow him to position the university as an economic driver in Delaware in the coming years. Allen currently works for Bank of America, where he is responsible for building the financial institution’s brand. He is the founding president of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. Additionally, he is the cofounder of Public Allies Delaware, a leadership development organization for young adults interested in full-time public service careers.
Allen also has connections to former Vice President Joe Biden. More than 20 years ago, he worked for then-Senator Biden as a speech writer and special assistant.
“When he worked for me, he was a full-time staffer, pursuing his doctoral studies, raising a family and serving on just about every board or committee of consequence in the state,” Biden said in the statement. “Del State is a perfect fit for Tony. He embodies the school’s ideals of providing the highest quality education for all, regardless of what you look like, where you come from or who you love. The University is lucky to have him, and the state of Delaware is lucky to keep him, right here, where I am sure he will continue to serve our communities with passion and purpose.”