Ben Allen V

Executive Director of the Equity Center, University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia

Ben Allen V is the executive director of the Equity Center at the University of Virginia (UVA), where he serves as a lecturer and also facilitates research practice partnerships in education, public health, community safety, affordable housing, and workforce development. He earned his Ed.D from the University of Virginia’s School of Education and conducts research on culturally responsive leadership and establishing strong community partnerships. After a series of shootings in Charlottesville, Ben brought together police chiefs, community activists, and gun violence prevention specialists that coalesced around recommendations by both the city of Charlottesville and senior UVA leadership. Ben is also an Army Reserve Captain and served as a logistician, military police officer, and intelligence analyst.