Alumni Highlight - Robert R. Allen II and III

This BSCTC Alumni Highlight features a father and son duo that is part of the Allen Family legacy. Robert R. Allen II and Robert R. Allen III or Rob as he is known are part of a close knit family that believes in the importance of faith, family, work ethics and education.

Robert R. Allen II graduated from Prestonsburg Community College in 1983 with an Associate in Arts degree. Robert went on to attend the University of Louisville and completed his M.S. in 1987. He worked at U of L for a period of time before returning to Prestonsburg to begin his career at First Commonwealth Bank in 1987. Robert has held several positions at the bank and currently serves as the Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer.

Robert is very active in the community. He has served on the Prestonsburg City Council, Mountain Arts Center Management Commission and various other boards. He also represents First Commonwealth Bank on the Highlands Foundation Board, Floyd County Chamber of Commerce Board and the Floyd County Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program Advisory Committee. When asked about community service, Robert noted that we all have a responsibility to give back to our community and I feel it is my civic obligation to be involved by representing myself and the bank.

Robert is married to Kathy King Allen, also a graduate of PCC, and they will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in May. They have two sons, Rob, a Senior at Eastern Kentucky University, and Wil a Freshman at Georgetown College.

Roberts son Rob graduated from Big Sandy Community amp; Technical College in 2010 with an Associate in Arts degree. While at BSCTC Rob was actively involved in the Honors Program, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a BSCTC Ambassador. Rob transferred to Eastern Kentucky University where he is a Legislative Research Intern in Frankfort. He also is currently working at Whitaker Bank as a Customer Service Representative. Rob plans to graduate from EKU in May 2012 and begin working on his Masters degree in Public Administration. Rob has been taught the true value of education and work ethic and believes my work experience has opened doors for me, including paving the way for this great internship opportunity at the LRC, and my goal is to make the most of each opportunity presented to me.

Others in the Allen family have taken advantage of the educational opportunities provided by BSCTC. As mentioned, Robertss wife Kathy is a PCC graduate and so is his sister, Rachel. Roberts son Wil earned 12 credit hours at BSCTC while still in high school. Currently he is a freshman at Georgetown College and is a member of the Tigers golf team. Roberts niece and Rachels daughter, Christina, is a current BSCTC student. Furthermore, Robert R. Allen Senior, Robert and Rachels father, served the college for 36 years as Academic Dean.

Robert and Rob are true examples of individuals who value their education and both --as well as other members of their family-- chose to begin their higher education here, at Big Sandy Community amp; Technical College.