She received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of South Carolina in 2001. She was selected as a 2001-2002 Project NExT National Fellow. Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) is a Mathematical Association of America program for new or recent Ph.D.s in mathematics. Dr. Allen is currently serving as co-director of the MAA's Southeastern Section NExT program. In 2005, Dr. Allen was the recipient of the university-wide Excellence in Teaching Award at Georgia College & State University.