Dennis K. Allen, Raytown High School, Class of 1956
Following his 1956 graduation from Raytown High, Dennis K. Allen attended Harvard College and Kansas University, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a senior executive at Atlanta-based BellSouth Corporation (now AT&T) Dennis headed the corporate human resources organization and was the corporation’s Chief Labor Negotiator, dealing with a nine state and 80,000 employee union.
He also retired from the United States Navy Reserve as a captain after 26 years, with four different commanding responsibilities. Prior to his Navy retirement, he was the U.S. Navy’s representative to the Georgia National Guard.
Dennis and his wife, Judy, have set foot on all seven continents, visiting 96 countries. He is proud that his leisure travel has allowed him to understand and appreciate other cultures. He is passionate about the need for students and teachers to study and to visit foreign countries.As a Raytown Education benefactor, Dennis has been a principal contributor to his 1956 class’ annual scholarship, which for 15 years has awarded $1,000 to the senior who finishes 56th in the class. Since 2000 he and his brother Nelson have endowed the Lois T. Allen Missouri Teacher of the Year DAR Award, presented annually.
In 2000-2001 Dennis conceived and spearheaded the Chittwood Tribute in recognition of Coach Ted and Bessie Chittwood, former Raytown educators. The project raised $125,000 from 450 contributors and was presented to Missouri Valley College, the Chittwoods’ alma mater.
Dennis has a son, Mark, a daughter, Meredith, and four grandchildren.
