June 30 marks the end of an era in University of Alaska Anchorage Athletics history as senior associate athletic director Dede Allen retires after a 40-year career in collegiate athletics, including the last 32 years at UAA.

The second-longest serving administrator in department history, she has been UAA's compliance director and senior woman administrator since joining the Seawolves in 1993.

"Dede's expertise and dedication to our program have helped our coaches and student-athletes set the bar higher each year," said UAA acting director of athletics Tanya Pont. "Working under eight athletic directors, she provided invaluable guidance and served a key role as UAA's SWA and Title IX liaison, along with chairing the Seawolf Hall of Fame committee, guiding our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and so much more. On a personal note, I am thankful for Dede's leadership and stewardship, and for taking me under her wing when I first arrived at UAA. It has been a true privilege to work alongside her during her final season here. We are all grateful for her many contributions and wish her all the best in her next chapter."

Along with her role as UAA's Senior Associate AD for Student Services and Human Resources, Allen served on the NCAA Division II Management Council as the Great Northwest Athletic Conference representative, plus three-year terms as a member of the West Region Advisory Committee for the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championships, including a term as chairperson. She is a past president of the National Association of Athletic Compliance Coordinators as well as a past member of the NCAA Division II Legislation Committee.

"After 32 years as part of Seawolf Nation, I feel incredibly grateful for a career that provided fulfillment, opportunity, and challenges that helped me grow both personally and professionally," Allen said. "It has been a privilege to work alongside outstanding coaches, staff, and student-athletes, and the relationships, lessons, and memories we've shared will always mean more to me than any title or accomplishment. I sincerely thank everyone who made this chapter of my life so meaningful – it has truly been an honor. As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to spending more time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, and checking off a few long-awaited travel destinations that athletics schedules never allowed."

Prior to her move to Alaska, Allen worked at the University of North Carolina Asheville for eight years. She was associate AD for one year after serving as assistant AD from 1990-93. Prior to her promotion to assistant AD, she served as the business and facility manager at her alma mater.

Allen is a 1984 graduate of UNC Asheville with a B.S. in financial management. She earned her M.S. degree in human resource development at Western Carolina University in 1993.

Dede Allen Career Committee Experience
University of Alaska Anchorage Clery Committee (2021-26)
UAA Staff Council (2021-23)
NCAA Transfer Portal Advisory Group (2018-23)
NCAA Coaches Enhancement Grant Committee (2017-20)
UAA Title IX Campus Climate Committee (2016-21)
UAA Academic Integrity Committee (2013-16)
UAA Student Conduct Advocate (2019-24)
NCAA DII WBB National Committee/West Region Ranking Committee Chair (2010-14)
NCAA Division II Management Council; liaison to the Academic Requirements Committee (2001-06)
NCAA Division II Legislation Committee (1997-2001)
National Associations of Athletics Compliance Coordinators – President 2000 (1997-2001)
Women's Basketball West Regional Committee (1994–97, 2000-02 & 2009-10)

Dede Allen Volunteer Experience
Treasurer – Col. John Mitchell Chapter DAR (2017-present)
Vestry Member – St. Mary's Episcopal Church (2010-12)
Stephen Minister - St. Mary's Episcopal Church (2001-11)
Blood Donor (1986-2020)
Red Cross volunteer and Water Safety Committee (1982-94)