Brian Allen

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Cabinet

Dr. Allen has served Olivet for over 30 years, beginning his career as an admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions in 1982. He rapidly advanced in his service to Olivet, working as the executive director of university relations, assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement and director of alumni.

In 1999, he was promoted to his current position as vice president for institutional advancement. In that role, he leads and oversees the work of the University’s development, undergraduate enrollment, marketing and engagement, alumni and university relations, and church and community relations teams. In 2005, Olivet recognized his strong commitment to, untiring efforts and enthusiasm for the work of the University by bestowing upon him the honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

During his years of leadership and service, the undergraduate enrollment of the University has doubled, the mission of the University has been strengthened through record levels of gift income, and advocacy for the University’s mission has expanded Olivet’s reach and impact.

“I’m so thankful for the privilege God has given my family and me to be a part of this great work,” Dr. Allen says. “Olivet is a place with rich traditions and a contagious spirit! For me, this is so much more than a career. It is a calling that inspires and humbles me.”

Dr. Allen represents the University across numerous venues and settings. He continues to have many opportunities to communicate hope-filled truths to varied audiences across the country.

His long-time loyalty to Olivet includes meeting and marrying Lynda (Bradford) ’82/’88 MBA while they were students. She is now Dr. Lynda Allen and a professor in Olivet’s McGraw School of Business. The family includes: son, Kyle ’10; daughter, Shelby ’13 and her husband, Adam Guest; son Spencer ’17, and two granddaughters, Ainsley and Dylan.

One of the most significant Bible verses for Dr. Allen is Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”