Popular history professor returns to SUBR

One of Southern University’s most popular history professors is back.
After teaching in the history department for eight years, Troy Allen, Ph.D., who sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Black Studies, accepted an offer in 2001 to teach at the University of Pittsburgh’s African American Studies department.
“I had a great offer from the University of Pittsburg, in the African American Studies department, to move out of the traditional history department,” Allen said.
His move caused an immediate reaction from the students.
“A lot of students were coming to me. They asked me directly (why he left),” said Richard A. Webb, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
Allen said he left Southern because he felt he was not valued.
“I didn’t think I was valued by the university, not the students. It was a question of value.”
According to Webb, he and Raymond J. Lockett, the Department of History chairperson, kept in contact with Allen throughout the year. Students also emailed Allen and the officials concerning his return.
“He’s been so valuable to us, but I realized what an opportunity it was. They approached him as a result of his work. It was an excellent tribute to his scholarship,” Webb said.
In summer 2002, the McKeesport, Pittsburg native accepted Southerns increased offer to return as a history professor.
“My family wanted to come back. I wanted to come back. I still knew I could do a lot of good at Southern. I know my approach to the material has a universal value,” Allen said.
Allen, who received his Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University, is known for his cutting edge style of teaching.
“My teaching style is hard, but fair and passionate. If you have a subject matter and a passion, a student can learn. If you aren’t interested in what you’re teaching, the students wont’ be interested,” he said.
He also added about his teaching methods, “I have jokes, add in hip-hop, and current events. I have a gumbo,”
“He is a real teacher,” said Jody Jacobs, electrical engineering senior from Shreveport. He teaches the material and applies it to everyday life. He lets you learn for yourself and shows you something new all at the same time.”
Once at the University of Pittsburg, Allen, was well received, but noticed differences in the two institutions.
“The major difference is clearly resources. The university (Pittsburg) catered to the students. Here (at Southern) there seems to be an adversary relationship between the students and the administration,” he said.
He hopes to build an African American Studies department at Southern.
“It’s (African American history) fundamental. If you want to study any history, you have to understand your history first. Particularly, at a black college you have to have a basis in African American history. It is a motivator.”
According to Allen, students, faculty and staff have made him feel welcomed since his return.
“I know that he challenges students. We all need challenges to learn and have our ideas inspired. He’s truly an interactive teacher. Students who want to learn profit from that,” Webb said.
Allen is teaching Race Relations, History of Ancient Egypt, History of Civilization (Honors), and African American History.
He said is looking forward to his years ahead at Southern.
“It feels good to be back. What can I say? I love the kids.”