SON: Connections - Fall 2004

Headlines | Briefly | From the Deans Desk

David Allen Wins UW Distinguished Teaching Award

David Allen

David Allen, a philosopher turned nurse turned devoted professor, is determined to create a collaborative environment - and perspective-for his students.

Perhaps that's why the university honored him this year with the universitywide Distinguished Teaching Award, given to faculty who show "a mastery of their subject matter, intellectual rigor and a passion for teaching." The awards honor outstanding performance in teaching, mentoring, public service and staff support. His great respect for students and the learning process guide his teaching style.

Allen, professor of psychosocial and community health, uses group learning exercises and active discussions that force students to think through difficult issues in social justice, inquiry, theory and nursing. In his classrooms people practice, rather than acquire, Allen says. "I try to think how to get myself and the students aligned against the content, rather than have the content as something between me and the students. I am always thinking about how to create working space in which we are working together on some project, application or interpretation, rather than them demonstrating their work to me."

That learning environment translates into success for students.

"He has made me grow intellectually in unpredictable and remarkable ways that I never thought I could," says Maureen West, a doctoral student in nursing with a focus on disability studies who has taken nearly all of his courses. "He encourages me to raise difficult issues without feeling intimidated. He gives us academic and intellectual tools to achieve like no teacher I have ever had."

Since joining the UW in 1988, Allen has held an adjunct appointment in women's studies. He served as a department chair in the School of Nursing for 10 years. One of his longstanding offerings is "White Privilege and Racism in Health and Human Services," commonly known as "Whiteness." Last year, he created a new course called "Who am I here? Difference and identity at UW" to help incoming freshmen adjust to their new environment and encounters with more or different forms of diversity.

Doris Boutain, a former student of Allen 's and a new associate professor in the School of Nursing, says, "What makes him different from other teachers is that he is sincerely interested in cultivating excellence. He is not just doing a job, he is living a dream of developing knowledge with others. His passion, compassion and openness are characteristics that make him truly remarkable."

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