During a portion of World War II, Allen lived in Macon working in a naval-ordinance plant. South Georgia folks wanted her to return to the little school. They offered her the job of principal. Allen accepted but only after demanding and receiving $125 per month, a large sum of pay at the time.

In 1949, she returned to Valdosta where she served as principal of W.G. Nunn until her retirement in 1971. She has traveled extensively, visiting many sites and nations around the world.

Allen had a career at a time when few women worked outside of the home. With exception of the World War II years, teaching was one of the few job opportunities open to women in the mid 20th century. Rising to the level of being principal of a school was an uncommon achievement for the era.

Allen marvels at the strides women have made in the workplace during the past few decades and is humble about any part she may have played as a trailblazer. Allen does say that as a teacher and as an administrator, she always believed young women should make the most of their education to be prepared for the world.

As for Valdosta State, Allen marvels, too, at the tremendous strides it has made since her graduation 76 years ago. She was a firm supporter of changing its name to Valdosta State many years ago and was delighted to witness the move from college to university 13 years ago.

As for her alma mater’s eventual move to include male students several decades ago, Allen smiles and says, “I guess it was a good thing.”