Sep 24, 2025
For VCU’s David Allen, teaching is its own reward
David Allen, Ph.D., loves his day job. As VCU’s deputy chief financial officer and associate vice president for finance, he helps manage the university’s $1.6 billion annual budget. In his role, Allen guides financial planning operations that support the institution’s mission. However, he’s not shy about what’s often the favorite part of his day, sharing his expertise with the next generation of health leaders.
Since 2020, Allen has served as a proud College of Health Professions adjunct faculty member. He graduated in 2019 from the Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences, where he teaches Finance and Economic Theory for Health Care, and leads a dissertation seminar.
"Often, the best part of my job is being able to teach," admits Allen. For those who know him, it comes as no surprise.
All in the family
Allen inherited the drive to be an educator from his father. “He had a Ph.D., and I idolized that,” Allen said. "I've always loved engaging with students and being a mentor. I believe in giving back to the next generation.”
His students and college leadership took notice. This spring, Allen’s passion for teaching was recognized when he received the college’s 2025 Adjunct of Excellence Award during commencement, which happened to fall on Mother's Day weekend. The timing was significant to Allen, because his mother was in attendance. She’s always supported Allen, even through hardship and the doubt of others.
As a young boy, Allen had been diagnosed with dyslexia, and some people had told his parents that there was a chance he wouldn't graduate high school. As soon as Allen found out about his award, he called his mom, and she booked a flight to see the ceremony.
“She was very proud,” he said. “It was a special thing to share with her.
A unique path to the classroom
Allen’s condition once presented academic challenges, but he forged his own hybrid path forward. Now he teaches students as part of a program with a leading hybrid model of its own. Designed for working health care professionals across disciplines to build research skills and solve real-world problems, the Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences attracts students from various academic and professional backgrounds, from physical therapists to health administrators. And he’s having an impact.
“Dr. Allen’s course evaluations are always outstanding, with students commenting on his accessibility, organization and positive outlook,” said Stacey Reynolds, Ph.D., the program’s director. “He is truly an asset to both our program and the students, and this award reflects the dedication he has invested.”
Inviting guest speakers, who range from VCU administrators to health care CEOs, is one of Allen’s favorite educational tools. He finds that his students appreciate the chance for open dialogues about the economic realities of health care institutions.
“It’s nice because we have a physical therapist who’s able to ask a health care executive questions – like, ‘Why is my schedule so packed, why don’t we have salary increases?’” he said. “It gives people an opportunity to engage in economics outside of a textbook.”
Enthusiasm to give back to VCU community
Allen's teaching journey started because of his enthusiasm and willingness to jump at every opportunity to give back to VCU and the Ph.D. Program in Health Related Sciences. After graduating, he was invited to co-teach a dissertation seminar with Laurie Cathers, Ph.D. He ultimately took on the class by himself, then added Finance and Economic Theory for Health Care to his teaching load a few years later.
"Whenever somebody within health professions asked me to do something, I said, 'Yes, absolutely,'" he said.
The way Allen sees it, he’s supporting students the way his parents and others have supported him – by making education real for health workers trying to make an impact in the field. “This is the purpose of VCU: to deliver this education."