Within the 150-member assembly of the Texas House of Representatives is a woman by the name of Alma Allen.
Currently serving as the state’s Representative of District 131, Allen has put on quite a résumé. But elected to one of the governmental jobs in the Lone Star State is just another destination to her tirelessly life journey.
Growing up in Livingston, Texas, Allen wanted to make a difference as a young girl, and education became an essential part of that difference.
“(I believe) education is the key,” Allen said.
Allen, 77, would eventually excel in elementary all the way up to college. She initially picked Prairie View A&M (PVAMU) as one of those universities which helped minorities like herself until she ultimately chose Texas Southern University (TSU).
“TSU gave me the background to put me as an educator,” Allen said.
She would soon have Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees under her belt.
“Having a degree has put me at a difference in quality of my life,” said Allen soundly.
One of Allen’s dear friends, Wilma Jordan, says that her love for people, her love for children is what makes her stand out from everyone.
“She will go out of her way, saying, ‘If you need help, I’ll help you do it’,” Jordan said.
Allen then goes after her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction along with a certificate in administration and supervision, which she received from the University of Houston. As an alumna, Allen worked at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) before working as an adjunct professor for PVAMU, then for TSU. Afterwards, she got elected to the State Board of Education in 1992.
Current PVAMU professor William Parker, who is also a former colleague of Allen, knows the type of professional and person that she is.
“She holds all her colleagues, professors, and students to a standard of excellence,” Parker said.
“As long as she has a tone vision of education, she makes an impact in the community. She is known as an educator of Texas, and in the country”
Later, Allen would land at the Texas House of Representatives having being reelected for two-year terms since 2004 while viewing Houston as a condition of betterment.
“There’s always a lot to improve and I want to be a part of it,” Allen said.
A woman of integrity like herself has considered another opportunity once her Democratic Representative days finish, for she will be a candidate for superintendent of HISD. Her son, Laurence Allen, Jr., sees the character in her mother that impacts the people.
“She motivates other people to get involved. I am so proud of her,” Laurence said.
As reported by the Houston Chronicle, she plans to improve morale and the focus on finances and stability as one of her top priorities.
“The big challenge is to make people feel wanted and needed,” Allen said in the newspaper.
Allen will take this task head-on, if elected, once her term as State Representative ends in 2018.
A date for the choosing of the permanent superintendent has yet to be determined.