Dr. Jeff Allen is a Regents Professor of Information Science at the University of North Texas and a leading voice on organizational wisdom, evidence-based decision-making, and workforce transformation. With over three decades of experience in knowledge management and human resource development, he helps leaders and teams move beyond information to sound judgment and meaningful action.
As Founding Director of the Center for Knowledge Solutions and the HumanWorks Lab, Dr. Allen has worked with government, industry, and higher education to improve how organizations learn, share what they know, and apply insight at scale. His work bridges individual experience and collective wisdom to support better decisions in real-world conditions.
In addition to his applied work, Dr. Allen has played a significant leadership role in academic publishing, serving as Founding Editor of Learning and Performance Quarterly, Editor-in-Chief of Performance Improvement Quarterly, and Editor of Career and Technical Education Research.
He is the author of Fostering Wisdom at Work, which examines how people and organizations can thrive amid complexity and change. His ongoing research, writing, and mentorship continue to shape the future of knowledge leadership and workforce development.
Adventures in Adversity
For over three decades, I have been dedicated to the continuous growth of my mind, body, and spirit. As a doctoral student at Penn State, I embarked on a transformative journey to align my physical and mental development with my academic pursuits—a pivotal moment in my self-discovery. Along the way, I have studied under exceptional teachers, cultivating adaptability, resilience, and curiosity. This journey has earned me black belts in multiple martial arts and, together with my career, has deepened my exploration of diverse cultures.
As a mid-lifer, I chased a childhood dream and learned to box. I didn’t realize that would become a six-year odyssey with national championship fights and two regional Golden Glove titles in the USA Boxing’s masters division.
I became a USA Boxing Coach under the tutelage of Joe Jimenez. The trials and tribulations of a boxing match capture life in a moment. The fears, decisions, regrets, and celebrations within the boxing ring can parallel many of life’s adversities and experiences.
I transitioned to triathlon and ultra-distance running with KMF Endurance Club. I wanted to become a well-rounded athlete. I gained a much deeper understanding of myself as I moved through the triathlon distance, from sprints to 3-time Ironman finishes. Ultra-running brought new challenges as I raced through trails and mountains to reach a new level of achievement – culminating in a finish at a 100-mile ultra-distance event.
In 2022, I returned to martial arts to explore another avenue of self-discovery. It’s hard beginning again, but the journey is the goal. It starts again with a white belt, hoping to eventually shade black. More than any of my other endeavors, jujitsu requires a dynamic partnership between two people, pushing each other to their limits while protecting each other as a family. Another lesson learned in the gym is as valuable as those before it.
And finally, my mantra:
You can’t cheat the grind. It knows how hard you’ve worked, the effort that you’ve put in, and the time you’ve dedicated toward it. It knows how much you have invested. It won’t give you anything that you have not worked for.
Dr. Jeff M. Allen 