TERRENCE T. ALLEN
Shaker Heights,Ohio
Summary
Nationally recognized research scientist and academic leader with extensive experience advancing child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and community transformation initiatives. Over 30 years of combined experience across research, higher education, policy development, program evaluation, and system redesign. Expert in multilevel community-based research, cross-system collaboration, and strategies that strengthen distressed communities. Proven ability to lead large-scale studies, secure significant external funding, and influence public policy through research, publications, and executive advisory roles.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Lead statewide multilevel research initiatives focused on child and family well-being, juvenile justice, and distressed community transformation.
- Key Achievements:
- Lead Principal Investigator on multiple statewide initiatives targeting system reform and community stability.
- Established research partnerships across six Texas regions.
- Designed and executed large-scale mixed-method studies.
- Produced policy-relevant reports and recommendations adopted by stakeholders.
- Directed research teams and mentored emerging scholars.
Assistant Professor of Social Work
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Taught graduate-level courses in organizational practice, social policy, youth delinquency, and community dynamics.
- Served on multiple strategic academic committees and chaired decarceration initiatives.
- Faculty Fellow and Affiliate at key research institutes.
Associate Professor of Social Work
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Led curriculum initiatives and coordinated the Juvenile Justice Concentration.
- Chaired multiple committees and drove program redesign.
- Delivered core and specialized courses in generalist practice, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Taught full range of micro- and macro-level practice courses.
- Held leadership roles on university senate, curriculum committees, and editorial review panels.
- Mentored student research groups focused on community practice.
Early-Career Human Services & Justice Roles
Cleveland, OH
01.1986 - 01.2003
- Progressive leadership in youth services, juvenile justice, child welfare, residential treatment, and community-based intervention programs.
- Roles included Assistant Director, Probation Counselor, Aftercare Counselor, Caseworker, Personal Monitor, Consultant, and Service Provider.
Education
Ph.D. - Social Work & Criminal Justice
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALMSSA - Social Work
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OHB.A. - History
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
Skills
- Research leadership and design
- Program and system evaluation
- Public policy analysis
- Community system-of-care development
- Cross-agency collaboration
- Organizational and academic leadership
- Juvenile justice & child-serving systems
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Teaching, training, and talent development
Affiliations
- Texas Probation Association – Member
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – Advisory Roles
- Society for the Study of Social Problems – Presenter and contributor
- Leadership positions across major universities including UT Austin, NCCU, and Wayne State
- Advisor to justice agencies, school districts, and community organizations nationwide
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & SCHOLARSHIP
- Author of 15+ peer-reviewed journal articles; multiple book chapters; technical reports; and the forthcoming book Systems Failure: The Urban Child and the Failure of the Juvenile Justice System (2025).
- Research Areas:
- Juvenile justice policy
- Policing & community relations
- Public attitudes toward youth and crime
- Child welfare systems
- Neighborhood effects on youth outcomes
- Urban community transformation
SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE VALUE
- Dr. Terrence Allen brings a rare combination of academic expertise, field-level operational experience, and statewide systems-change leadership. His research, policy insight, and practical implementation background make him a highly effective executive contributor in areas such as:
- State and local government leadership
- Foundations and research institutes
- Juvenile justice and child-serving systems
- Higher education leadership
- Consulting, evaluation, and program development
- Community transformation and public health initiatives
Timeline
Research Scientist
Prairie View A&M University
01.2018 - 01.2025
Assistant Professor of Social Work
University of Texas at Austin
01.2014 - 01.2018
Associate Professor of Social Work
North Carolina Central University
01.2010 - 01.2014
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Wayne State University
01.2003 - 01.2010
Early-Career Human Services & Justice Roles
01.1986 - 01.2003
MSSA - Social Work
Case Western Reserve University
B.A. - History
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
Ph.D. - Social Work & Criminal Justice
University of Alabama