Lisa Allen joins UAF as Office of Grants and Contracts Administration director
Lisa Allen, the new director of the UAF Office of Grants and Contracts Administration.
July 18, 2025
The Financial and Business Services team welcomes Lisa Allen as the new director of the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration at the 春水堂视频. She began her role on June 30 and is located in Room 105D of the Butrovich Building.
Allen brings more than 20 years of experience in research administration, having served in leadership roles at two research intensive institutions, Arizona State University and Penn State. Her expertise spans pre- and post-award administration, compliance, strategic planning, training and development, and operational leadership.
Allen has spent her career building strong, service-oriented research administration teams that empower faculty to focus on what they do best, discovery and innovation. She is excited to bring that energy and experience to UAF and contribute to the incredible research mission happening here.
At Arizona State University, Allen served as associate director of Research Administration for the College of Health Solutions. There, she led a growing team and implemented a portfolio-based concierge support model that increased efficiency and faculty satisfaction. Prior to that, at Penn State, she held key roles supporting both pre-award and post-award processes, contract negotiation, compliance, and training.
Allen holds a master鈥檚 degree in Education (Training and Development) from The Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor鈥檚 in Psychology from the University of Arkansas. She is also a certified research administrator who has served in regional leadership roles with the National Council of University Research Administrators, most recently as Past Treasurer for Region VII.
Her work has been recognized through several institutional awards for innovation, collaboration, mentoring, and service. She is passionate about helping others succeed.
Outside of work, Allen enjoys traveling, camping, and exploring nature. A stand-up comedy enthusiast, she believes in the power of humor to build relationships and relieve stress. 鈥淣ow that I鈥檓 in Alaska, I鈥檓 ready to embrace the climate," Allen said. "I鈥檝e always wanted to try ice fishing and dog sledding so those are definitely on my list!鈥
Allen is looking forward to collaborating with the UAF research community. She recognizes that there is a lot of momentum here. She is honored to join this team and excited to support the groundbreaking work that UAF is known for in the Arctic and worldwide.