Jay Allen, dean of enrollment services, was awarded the 3-E Award at Hinds Community College on May 1 at the college's annual employee awards dinner.

The 3-E Award is the college's highest employee award designation and signifies the college's emphasis on excellence and enrichment.

Allen, a 1991 alumnus of the Raymond Campus, has been employed at the college since 1995.

"I was extremely touched and honored to be presented with the 3-E," he said. "It means a lot to me and my family. It's a tremendous honor because I know that the people who have come before in receiving that award are very influential in the college and its history, and they have had a big impact on it."

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees at Mississippi State University. He has completed course work on his doctoral degree in higher education administration at the University of Mississippi and is currently working on his dissertation.

 "One of the special things about Hinds Community College is that it draws back top student leaders as they begin their professional careers. People like Jay have such a love for this institution that they work tirelessly to make sure today's students have the same type of experience they had at Hinds," said Ginger Turner, district director of admissions and also a graduate of Hinds.

Allen started his professional career as enrollment manager. In July 2001, district director of admissions and records was added to his responsibilities in an effort to create a seamless function for recruiting and admissions. He was promoted to dean of enrollment services in 2003.

 "Jay has been a leader in positioning the college to use technology to recruit and retain students. Even before Colleague had a communications management module, Jay created his own enrollment management computer program to manage communication plans for prospects and applicants," said Jackie Granberry, vice president for Institutional Advancement. "That expertise made him a frequent presenter at state and national conferences and a sought-after consultant for other community colleges hoping to replicate Hinds' success in student recruitment."

 From implementing the first 1-800 number at a community college in Mississippi to starting social networking and search engine marketing, Allen has played an integral role in the college's marketing strategy.

 Recently, he led the college's effort to establish dual enrollment/dual credit programs in area high schools. "He's the one that brings the players to the table and crafts the partnerships that benefit the student, the high school and college," said Dr. Theresa Hamilton, Raymond Campus vice president and director of college parallel programs.

He is also the driving force behind the Preview Night activities that attract hundreds of prospective students and their families to the college.

"For Jay, it's all about students and what will make Hinds a better place for students," Granberry said. "His energy and commitment is most evident when it comes to putting students first, even when it's a challenge for the college to change its practices or policies."

 In his role as district dean of enrollment services, Allen shares daily enrollment reports with colleagues throughout the district. He is often at the office at 5 a.m. to run those early morning reports so they arrive via email throughout the district when offices open.

"He's got a heavy load. When we have a special event, he's the first one there and the last to leave," said Hinds Connection member Jake Hartfield. "He manages 20-plus Hinds Connection members and treats us all like family. Maybe that's because he is such a good family man."

It's not unusual for parents and students to call Allen outside of the regular work day, and he maintains many of those relationships after the students leave Hinds.

Colleen Hartfield, vice president for Community Relations, has had two children serve as Hinds Connection members. "What I appreciate most about Jay is the positive role model that he is for young people. His work ethic, personal integrity and Christian values have had such a meaningful influence upon so many Hinds students," she said.

Allen and his wife Belinda (a graduate of the Hinds associate degree nursing program) and their daughters Emma Grace, six, and Mollianne, 18 months, live in Raymond. The family is a member of First Baptist Church of Raymond, where Allen has taught youth Sunday school and served as a deacon.