James H. Allen

Born in Studewood, Texas, James is a proud graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor in Music and a Masters in Education. He is also a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Mu Alpha and a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Mr. Allen served over 40 years as an educator and campus administrator. His vision is to create an environment which compelled every learner to become leaders, to search within themselves and find their own unique contributions. Moreover, students were engaged in higher level thinking activities as he inspired critical and diverse thinking.

Since 2001, Mr. Allen has served as Executive Director of the Knowledge-First, Inc. “At Knowledge-First, we believe education should not only address the intellectual capacities, but should be a matter of attaining proficiencies that lead to lifelong resiliency.” One of his distinguished accomplishments was to create a High School Diploma/Dropout Prevention Program that awards students who dropped out of school, a second opportunity to return and obtain their High School Diploma. This unique paradigm has received many donations and major funding that assisted students create a better life-style for themselves and their families.

In his own words, "I believe and am committed to the belief that mankind is an interdependent being, and as such, we will only realize our fullest potential when the sharing of ourselves with others, is the primary function of our everyday activities. I have dedicated my life to the realization of this philosophy through the process of educational acquisition." Mr. Allen is married and the father of three children.

Wisdom~Honor~Perseverance