W. David Allen (57) passed away on August 22, 2024, at his home in Huntsville, Alabama. He was born on November 29, 1966, in Decatur, Illinois. He was a devoted economics professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where he recently celebrated his 30th anniversary. David was passionate about teaching and researching the field of economics and was highly esteemed by his students.
Dr. Allen received bachelors and master’s degrees in economics from Eastern Illinois University in 1988 and 1989, respectively. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Arkansas in 1994. He was appointed as assistant professor of economics at UAH in 1994. He was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2000. He was then promoted to professor in 2011. He developed an international reputation for his research on crime and victimization and the economics of sports. His extensive research record includes more than 40 publications, including a book published by the Stanford University Press. He was an academic editor for the journal PLOS ONE and had served as a professional reviewer for 19 other academic journals. During his career with the University, he received a numerous College of Business research grants and faculty fellowships. He was recognized with an Outstanding Research Award in 1998- 1999, an Outstanding Faculty Award in 1999-2000, and Best Research Paper Awards in 2013- 2014 and 2021-2022. David was known for his intellectual curiosity and love for research. His legacy will live on through the impact he had on his peers, his students, and in his professional field.
David was also a world traveler. He visited friends and colleagues all over the world, making sure to stop at notable university campuses to photograph their landscapes and entrances. He was a loyal sports fan, closely following the San Francisco 49ers, Vancouver Canucks, and UAH hockey team. Lastly, David had a love for music, building an extensive collection of his favorite artists’ works, and he was a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics.
Dr. Allen was preceded in death by his parents William E. Allen and Carolyn (Turnbo) Allen.
He is survived by his uncle Harry J. Allen.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Business will hold a memorial service on September 6, 2024. Condolences may be left on the website of the Berryhill Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Special Olympics.
