Meet the CEL Staff

Mallary Allen, PhD, Director 

Mallary joined the CEL team in September of 2023. She grew up in Des Moines and attended Roosevelt High School. She earned her PhD in Sociology from Southern Illinois University in 2013 and taught at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. As a faculty member, she co-directed a Social Activism minor and enjoyed leading experiential learning projects at home and abroad. In 2020, Mallary returned to Iowa to be near family and began work in research and consulting. When she is not spending time with her two teenagers, her partner, and her extended family in Ames, Mallary enjoys writing, gardening, and art projects of all kinds.

Mallary provides strategic oversight of the Office of Community Engaged Learning and facilitates faculty development in community engaged learning. 

515-271-2902

mallary.allen@drake.edu 

Amanda Martin, M.Ed., Assistant Director

Amanda joined the CEL team in September of 2015. She brings more than 15 years of experience in the areas of community and national service. Amanda received her BA in Communication from Clarke University and her Masters in Student Affairs from Iowa State University. Prior to joining the CEL team, she worked for the Corporation for National and Community Service, as the Member Development Associate for AmeriCorps NCCC members. She is also an AmeriCorps VISTA alum, having served two years at the Volunteer Center of Story County in Ames. 

Amanda coordinates co-curricular service at Drake, connecting students and student organizations to the local community and volunteer opportunities; directs the Changemaker Scholars Program; supervises the Community Engagement Peers, and facilitates the Pathways for Civic Action & Social Change.

 515-271-2767
 amanda.martin@drake.edu