C. Kay Allen

Alumnus, M.S. Educational Psychology

C. Kay Allen was born in Heber City, Utah in 1925, the son of Orson M. and Reta Simpson Allen. After graduating from Wasatch High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. At the conclusion of his military service he accepted a call from the LDS church to serve a mission in the Southern States Mission – staying most of the time in Mississippi. These experiences stimulated his interest in people and ultimately led him to attend Brigham Young University. There he studied psychology and was enrolled in a pre-med program. When not studying he worked as an engineer in the Park City Mines for a short period.

His greatest love was working with people and helping them solve problems. Consistent with these interests, in 1952 Kay Allen graduated with a BS in psychology from Brigham Young University, followed by an MS from the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah in 1957. He then became deeply involved as the Director of Professional Relations for the Utah Education Association and ran for the Utah House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket. From 1963 to 1967 he served as Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives. Mr. Allen has been active in the banking and real estate development industries in Colorado and has been associated as a lecturer with Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado, and Metropolitan State College in Colorado. He was also the Chairman of the State Legislative Council and a member of the Little Hoover Commission. In 1977 he was honored as an Outstanding Teacher by Brigham Young University.

Consistent with his view that theories about the human mind must be applied directly to the practical affairs of life, he served as Chairman of the Utah State Board of Mental Health and also as President of the Colorado Mental Health Association. For a period he was Special Assistant to the Democratic National Platform Committee. His expertise in human relations led him to chair the Governor's Housing Committee in Utah.

Not limited by borders, in 1967 Mr. Allen put his ideas to work in the international sphere and helped to build 36 schools in Bolivia under the aegis of the Partners of the Alliance. In the years since, this committee has built over 110 additional schools. He has conducted workshops and organized television programs for the Denver Interfaith Council.

In 1972 his commitment to the practical application of knowledge led him to organize the Human Values Institute. The Institute has been a means of developing leaders in industry, education, government, marketing and communications. His emphasis throughout has been upon the practical application of the principles of psychology to the issues and problems of everyday life. Over 150,000 persons have participated in workshops, seminars and lectures under the direction of the Human Values Institutes.

Mr. Allen's family have been consistent supporters of his many ventures. He and his wife Doris Brady Allen are the parents of four children, all of whom are university graduates.