A Message from President Lynne Coy-Ogan on the Passing of Chief Data Officer Travis Allen

Published on: January 28, 2025

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Chief Data Officer Travis Allen after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Travis was a valued member of the Senior Cabinet and longtime member of the Husson community who held several administrative positions at the University.

Travis joined Husson in 2001 and served in many roles at Husson including as Chair of the School of Education, Assistant Dean in the School of Pharmacy, Director of Assessment and Assistant Provost for Assessment and Accreditation. Last fall, he was promoted to Chief Data Officer. Travis completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and earned both a Master's of Education and a C.A.S. in Higher Education at the University of Maine.

Working alongside Travis for many years, his intelligence, analytical thinking and collaborative presence made him a valued partner through accreditation reviews, budget preparation cycles and so much else that Husson has navigated in recent years. Travis was a respected colleague and trusted advisor. It is hard to imagine Husson without Travis Allen.

Over the course of his career, Travis demonstrated a keen professionalism and intelligence that impressed many people, including our recent NECHE review team. He had a deep understanding of our data and finances, and the unique ability to communicate complicated information with ease. He was highly invested in the success of our students and the University. Through his final weeks, Travis remained adamant about contributing to our strategic planning process and seeing this final project to fruition. 

In honor of his significant contributions, the Travis Allen Memorial Scholarship has been established in his name to be awarded annually to a student with demonstrated financial need who will benefit from the transformative power of higher education. Travis understood the value of a college education and the difficulty that students from low-income families face when contemplating higher education. He himself came from humble beginnings and benefited from his own education, rising to a senior-level position here at Husson. If you are interested in making a contribution, please contact Jessy Hosford, Executive Director of Development and Advancement Services, at hosfordj@husson.edu or 207.404.5651.

In the coming weeks, you will see members of our campus community pinning green ribbons to their lapels which will be available in the President’s Office and at the Information Desk on the first floor of the O’Donnell Commons in the next few days. This is in honor of Travis’s memory and in support of finding a cure for the cancer that ended his life too soon. Our bell tower will also be lit in green for the next 10 days in his honor. Additionally, the University will be planning a remembrance to recognize his life and contributions. More details will be forthcoming.

Please join me in keeping his wife, Jennifer, and their four sons, in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the difficult days to come.