Dr. Ivan Allen, president of Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), was among the inaugural group of 10 honorees from across the nation recognized recently for their work in supporting defense communities and the military. Nominated by retired U.S. Air Force General John Kubinec and the 21st Century Partnership in Warner Robins, Dr. Allen was recognized for his leadership and action in making a difference in the lives of military and veteran families in Georgia.  

“I am both humbled and honored to be receive this award,” said Dr. Allen. “The work Central Georgia Technical College does each day to support our military brothers and sisters and their families is critical. We are proud of the work we do to support workforce development by supplying a pipeline of qualified workers to keep Robins Air Force Base strong and ready to defend our great nation.” 

Dr. Allen received the Defense Community Champions award at the Association for Defense Communities (ADC) National Summit in Arlington, V.A. The three-day event featured keynote addresses from Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, and Hon. Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the U.S. Navy. Other featured speakers included U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (GA), U.S. Representative John Garamendi (CA), U.S. Representative Michael Waltz (FL), Secretary for Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig C. Crenshaw, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General for the U.S. Army Reserve Command, Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, and White House Special Advisor for Afghan Resettlement Curtis R. Ried, among others. Topics covered at the conference included leadership, defense infrastructure, installation readiness, military families and childcare, and defense community priorities.  

“The inaugural group of Defense Community Champions demonstrates what it takes to serve a community’s military mission, military families and veterans,” ADC President Bob Ross said. “Our national security successes and community connections rely on individuals like Dr. Allen who know how to develop relationships who will help their communities and installations support our military families.” 

In his role as leader of one of Georgia’s largest two-year colleges, Dr. Allen has continually worked to support the military community. For example, a vision became reality when the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center opened in Warner Robins in 2016 as a first-of-its-kind facility providing wraparound series to veterans, military members, and their families for education, training, and transition to civilian life. This facility, located near Robins Air Force Base (RAFB), provides services to more than 5,000 active-duty service men and women, veterans, and their dependents annually.  

Recently, Dr. Allen’s leadership contributed to another noteworthy development. CGTC partnered with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Development Authority and RAFB to open the Aerospace Training and Sustainment Center adjacent to the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. This 200,000+ sq. ft. facility, located in a former Boeing production hangar, is now home to educational training for CGTC Aerospace students and civil service team members of the 402d Commodities Maintenance Group (402d CMXG) from RAFB. Through co-location in this off-base facility, students are learning essential workforce skills and getting a first-hand look at the current workforce demands for the career field they plan to enter.  

Dr. Allen has served as a college president since 2005. During his career, he has also served as a classroom teacher, an academic dean, academic vice president, and several other executive leadership roles. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and completed his role as chair in 2021 for this organization which serves as the accrediting body for institutions of higher education in 11 southeastern states. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Houston Healthcare System in Houston County, the Atrium/Navicent Health Foundation Board in Bibb County, the 21st Century Partnership board, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia board, and chair of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce board and the Cherry Blossom International Festival Board of Trustees.   

The award was announced at the Defense Communities National Summit in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon and Washington, D.C.