Rodney Allen attended Governor’s School West (GSW) as a Choral Music student in 1989. Since then, Rodney has served the NC Governor’s School in nearly every available leadership role, excelling at every turn. He was one of the very first Teaching Assistants/Counselors (TACs), and then served as GSW's first Dean of Students. From there, Rodney was promoted to GSW Site Director, a role he held for 8 years before being promoted again to serve as the NC Department of Public Instruction’s Program Coordinator for Governor’s School, a role which sees him providing leadership to both GSW and its sister campus, Governor’s School East.

Rodney’s colleagues describe him as a tireless servant leader who works meticulously to guarantee the best experience for each student. Faculty, TACs, and fellow GS administrators recognize Rodney as an always-available resource they can call on for help, guidance, and institutional memory. Students know Rodney as a smiling face who’s devoted to making Governor’s School a life-changing experience for each of them.

His deep history and background working at every level of GS have given Rodney the credibility and perspective to lead Governor’s School through some of its toughest challenges, including a traumatic budget crisis in 2017, the cancellation of the 2020 session due to COVID, and seemingly enumerable pandemic-driven obstacles during the 2021 session. In each instance, Rodney’s hard work, leadership, and unwavering love of Governor’s School provided the light needed to help Governor’s School navigate through difficult times.

For those and many other reasons, the NC Governor’s School Foundation is proud to honor Rodney Allen as a Jim Hart Governor’s School Champion Award winner for 2023.