Dr. B.L. Allen: A Retrospective of Field Experiences.

What can be said about the man whose skill in education and wealth of knowledge on arid soils of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico came to define a generation of students who studied under his careful guidance? Dr. B.L. Allen began his career as an academician and soil scientist at Texas Tech University in 1959 and developed a professional lineage of students over his amazing 44 year career. Dr. Allen directed 41 MS thesis and/or PhD dissertation committees at Texas Tech, and served as a committee member on 75 additional student theses/dissertations. In addition to teaching multiple courses (Soil Science, Soil Mineralogy, Soil Classification, Soils of Arid Lands), he coached the Texas Tech Soils Judging Team in both regional and national competitions, winning the national competition five times. His hands on approach toward engaged student learning meant frequent trips to the field were in order. Days spent in the field with Dr. Allen were amazing. His discussions of geomorphology, soil genesis, and vegetative indicators remain the stuff of legend in West Texas. Dr. Allen’s unique approach to teaching led him to engage students beyond the classroom and push them through their academic careers with just the right amount of force. His friendship and mentoring forged an instant bond between all who studied under his guidance. This paper will present photos and brief descriptions of some of the most memorable field experiences shared with our mentor, colleague, and friend, Dr. B.L. Allen.