Building a stronger Peoria every day 🇺🇸 Andre Allen, Ph.D., is a proud Peoria native and alumnus of Peoria Public Schools. After high school, he attended Illinois Central College before transferring to Eastern Illinois University (EIU), where he earned a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Sports Administration. He later completed a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Illinois State University. Andre’s dissertation, African American Administrators’ Experiences as They Pursue and Transition into Higher Education Senior Administrative Roles at Four-Year Predominantly White Institutions, is a qualitative study examining career navigation, racial adversity, professional development, and leadership insights. It offers recommendations to enhance representation and inclusivity in higher education leadership. With over a decade of progressive experience in higher education, Andre has held various roles at Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, and Methodist College. Elected to the Peoria City Council on April 6, 2021, and taking office on May 4, 2021, Andre represents District 4, where he prioritizes neighborhoods and infrastructure, business development, public safety, and quality of life. He was elected in Spring 2025. He is actively involved in several boards and committees, including the Police & Community Relations Advisory Committee, Peoria Public Schools Foundation, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, and Peoria Promise Foundation. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In October 2022, Andre was appointed as Peoria County Government’s first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, leading efforts to embed DEI principles into county operations and community initiatives. He spearheaded the development of Peoria County’s DEI plan, focusing on talent attraction and retention, professional training and development, minority- and women-owned business procurement, and external stakeholder engagement. Andre’s leadership and dedication have earned him numerous accolades. He was one of 13 elected officials selected as a delegate for Local Government 2030: Action for the Future, a national convening of policymakers and practitioners. In 2023, he was honored as Eastern Illinois University’s Outstanding Young Alumnus. He is also a graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership School (Class of 2022) and was named to Greater Peoria’s 40 Leaders Under Forty (Class of 2018) by Peoria Magazine.
