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Wilmington civic leader Tony Allen named new DSU provost

Delaware State University
Tony Allen, DSU's new provost

A man former vice president Joe Biden called “a tireless advocate of the overlooked” has been appointed provost for Delaware State University.

 

DSU President Harry Williams announced Friday that longtime Wilmington civic leader Tony Allen will be taking over the number two position at DSU this August.

 

Allen said he’s incredibly excited to be offered the position.

 

“I have said many times that I’ve watched the unmistakeable transformation of DSU under President Williams’ leadership. And I am happy and excited to now be a part of the team,” Allen said.

 

Allen is a former banking executive at MBNA and is currently head of corporate reputation for Bank of America.

 

He spent time working as a speechwriter and special assistant for former Vice President Joe Biden.  

 

And he’s currently chairman of the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission - a role he said he’ll maintain as provost.

 

“Wilmington education is an important part of our strategy as it relates to building the talent pipeline for making sure all of our students are prepared to enter all the higher education institutions in Delaware, and, in particular, Delaware State University,” he said.

 

Allen takes over for former provost Alton Thompson, who resigned in March of 2016.    

 

James Ammons, from Florida A&M University, was supposed to replace Thompson last July, but pulled out at the last minute, citing personal reasons.

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