Jeana-Dee Allen

Jeana-Dee Allen is an Academic Specialist in Experiential Learning and a Professor in the School of Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at MSU. Her work brings together creative thinking, human-centered design, experiential learning, community engagement, trauma-informed practice, and student success.

Allen is the lead instructor and curriculum architect for CAS 110, Creative Thinking. It is a large-enrollment, multi-format course that serves hundreds of students each semester. Her teaching emphasizes creative problem-solving, sensemaking, universal design, and well-being. She is interested in helping students apply knowledge through experimentation, reflection, and collaboration.

Her work extends beyond the traditional classroom. Allen leads experiential learning programs that connect students with alumni, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and professionals. She directed Street Teams, an interdisciplinary program where students partner with nonprofits to address communication and media challenges. She also leads the ComArtSci Experiential Learning Study. She's examining the reach, impact, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of experiential learning across the College. Her university service has included the MiLEAP Learning Goals Advisory Council and initiatives focused on student success, accessibility, and the future of undergraduate education.

Allen’s approach to education is shaped by a career that crosses journalism, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, design, and education. Before moving into higher education, she worked as a photojournalist and nonprofit educator. Her creative practice includes documentary photography, public art, comics, filmmaking, youth media programs, and community-based projects. In 2015, she also cofounded an independent performing arts venue and bookstore in Lansing, Michigan.

The Adams Academy Fellowship has recognized her teaching, MSU Hub Faculty Fellowship, Stanford University’s Teaching and Learning Studio, and Lansing City Pulse and FOX 47 Best College Instructor award. Her photojournalism and films received recognition from the National Press Photographers Association, the Michigan Press Photographers Association, the Telly Awards, the Hearst Journalism Awards, and more. Students in programs she's led have received university research awards, ADDY Awards, and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Production Awards.

Allen is interested in projects that help people make sense of complicated issues, create meaningful learning experiences, and strengthen connections between universities and their communities. Her work asks how creativity, design, and community engagement can help people understand challenges from new perspectives and imagine what we can build together.