William Leon (Bill) Allen, 75, former Associate Dean, University College, at Ohio University, died at home on Friday, October 5, 2018 after battling cancer. Born Jan. 9, 1943, in McDowell County, West Virginia, Bill was the son of Mattie Allen and Bryant Burrell. He graduated from Kimball High School, followed by a teaching degree from Bluefield State College. After teaching a few years, he moved to Athens in 1968 to pursue a Master's Degree in Counseling and Student Personnel, followed by a PhD in Higher Education Administration at Ohio University.

Bill devoted his professional life to OU students through programs and services of University College, where he served as Assistant Dean and as Associate Dean. In addition to many administrative duties, he impacted the lives of thousands of students by providing academic advising, orientation programs, General Studies degrees, probation counseling, and in many other ways. Always a leading advocate for the success of minority students, he created the LINKS program to aid in academic and personal success. To honor the impact of Bill's work, the Allen Center in the Baker University Center bears his name. He was also named Outstanding Administrator at OU.

A highlight of Bill's life was being named A.C.E. Intern and Education Policy Fellow, 1978-1980, by the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.   After retirement he dedicated many hours to the Athens County Food Pantry as worker and board member.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn (Henderson) Allen, son William Leon (Kathy) Allen, Jr. , Mason, OH; daughters Sabrina Allen (Gene) Washington, Cincinnati; Janette (Tevell) Jones, Clemmons, NC, and stepdaughter Rachel Henderson, Huntington, WV. Grandchildren are Alex Allen, Kiana Allen, Kayla Allen, and Ava Jones. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters Patricia Minnis and Barbara Allen.

The family is grateful for the support of friends and the compassionate care of our Hospice nurse, Melissa Schulz. Bill requested that no service be held. Comments and memories of Bill's humor and dry wit, his service and generosity, and his amazing baking and cooking skills may be shared at www.jagersfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Athens County Food Pantry, 528 Richland Ave., Athens, OH 45701.