Polk School Board District 1-William Allen
William Allen is a tenured Associate Professor of Interactive and Game Design at Florida Southern College. He has committed over 17 years to teaching and shaping young minds to be transformative contributors to society.
As a professor, Allen was awarded the Distinguished Miller Teaching Award, the Omicron Delta Kappa teacher of the year, and Distinguished Faculty Award for connectedness with students. His current research interests include studying changes in cinematic codes between two-dimensional and 360 cinematic spaces and the impact that has on short-term learning behavior and cognitivism.
Background and Experience
With over 17 years of higher ed experience, Allen recognizes the collaborative nature of a school system that provides an intense focus on preparing students. As a faculty advisor, Allen understands the goal of mentoring students to be competent contributors to their community. Besides his educational experience, Allen is an award-winning documentarian and media researcher. He recently served as a grant reviewer with the National Science Foundation’s Interactive division.
Allen’s PhD work is in Digital Media from the University of Central Florida. He holds an MFA in Web Design and New Media from the Academy of Art University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication.
Values
As a Bartow native and Polk County resident, Allen has a deep-rooted zeal for the Polk education system. His vision is to help make Polk County Schools one of the greatest and strongest pillars of hope within the community.
According to Allen, “helping support parents as they seek access for what’s best for their child is my top priority. It’s all about empowerment.” He adds, “education is a societal pillar that can give hope. Stifling access smothers the flames of hope.”
About William Allen: Allen is a Bartow native and will celebrate 21 years of marriage to Jill Allen. They have two children in Polk County schools and one just finishing her first year of college.
