Allen, Shawn

Dr. Shawn Allen is an Associate Professor of Social Work and Co-Director of the CU in Schools program at Concord University. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Concord University in 2007, his Master of Social Work (MSW) from West Virginia University in 2011, and his Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Tulane University in 2021. Shawn has been a Licensed Social Worker in West Virginia since 2007, became a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in 2011, and achieved Licensed Certified Social Worker status in 2022.

Shawn began his career with the Appalachian Area Agency on Aging as one of West Virginia’s first Aging and Disability Resource Center regional coordinators. His research focuses on issues related to aging, rural service delivery, social work ethics, and supervision. As a grant writer, Shawn has helped secure over $4.8 million in funding from organizations such as the Council on Social Work Education, the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, and the U.S. Department of Education.

A strong advocate for disability rights and services, Shawn was appointed to the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council in 2024 and continues to serve on several community committees, including the WV Olmstead Council, the WV Behavioral Health Planning Council, and the Special Needs Collaborative of Mercer County. He resides in Lerona with his wife, Jamie, and their son, John Daniel.