Dr. Shannon Allen leads the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) with a vision of transformation and excellence. On April 17, 2019, she made history as the first female superintendent of the district. A Beaumont native and BISD graduate, Dr. Allen brings 28 years of dedicated service and leadership to the district. Her deep-rooted passion and unwavering commitment to students and the community continue to drive her mission of educational excellence.
Dr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Prairie View A&M University. She later pursued her master’s and doctoral degrees in education from Lamar University, equipping her with the expertise to lead BISD effectively.
Her career in education began as a substitute teacher at Fehl Elementary, and she quickly discovered her passion for teaching. She became a biology teacher at Clifton J. Ozen Magnet High School in 1997, then moved through various leadership roles, including elementary curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, magnet coordinator, middle and high school principal, and Associate Superintendent of Secondary Schools.
A steadfast advocate for students, Dr. Allen is focused, driven, and deeply committed to the success of more than 16,000 students in BISD. Her mission is to change the trajectory of students’ lives, empowering them to become the next generation of educators, innovators, business owners, and community leaders. She is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by ensuring every student receives an exemplary education.
Recognizing the importance of community support, Dr. Allen established the BISD Ambassador Program, fostering a positive perception of the district and strengthening relationships with stakeholders. Her Every Moment Matters (EM²) philosophy is embedded throughout the district, emphasizing the value of time and continuous improvement. Under her leadership, BISD has implemented innovative school models and campus redesigns to expand access to high-quality education.
Dr. Allen's impact extends beyond education. She serves on the advisory board for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas and is a member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:
- 100 Plus Black Women Coalition’s Woman of the Year (2020)
- Lamar University Distinguished Alumnus (2021)
- Texas PTA Superintendent of the Year (2022)
- Friends of Texas Public Schools Ambassador of the Year (2022)
A woman of faith, Dr. Allen has been a devoted member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for more than 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and tries to read at least 20 books per year.
