Jennifer Allen named Interim Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs

Beginning April 1, the College of Urban and Public Affairs will see new leadership in Jennifer Allen, Portland Professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, as she steps in as Interim Dean. Allen replaces Interim Dean Sy Adler, who is retiring after 41 years at Portland State.

“Dr. Allen brings a deep knowledge of PSU to her leadership role. She has served in a number of roles since her arrival at PSU, including as Associate Director of the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices and Director of the Institute for Sustainable Solutions,” said Provost Susan Jeffords. “She was praised by her colleagues for her quiet, inclusive and effective leadership.”

Allen joined PSU in 2003 to work on PSU’s sustainability programs; she helped establish the Institute for Sustainable Solutions and served as the Institute’s director between 2012 and 2015. She has also worked for the World Bank, Ecotrust and the State of Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. Currently, Allen serves as Chair of the Oregon State Parks Commission and on the advisory board for the Elliott State Research Forest. 

Her research and engagement focus on collaborative governance approaches to addressing issues such as climate change, toxics management, and disaster preparedness. Allen is a co-Principal Investigator for a $5 million NOAA-funded grant in partnership with the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group to advance climate resilience in frontline communities, including coastal tribes and rural communities.

“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with the amazing faculty, staff and students in the College of Urban and Public Affairs in this role,” Allen said. “CUPA’s commitment to demonstrating civic leadership through engaged scholarship and learning represents the essence of what Portland State is all about. We are already working closely with community partners to address some of the most complex challenges facing our region — I am confident that we can amplify our impact and build even more powerful partnerships to make the city and the region a vibrant and thriving place.”

Allen added that in order for CUPA to be as successful as possible in advancing scholarship and serving students, the college itself must be a vibrant and thriving community.

“I look forward to engaging in a future-oriented dialogue with the CUPA community to identify priorities and strategies to help us realize our full potential,” she said.