Dr. James Allen's Legacy to continue through USU Scholarship

In a heartfelt tribute to Uintah Basin physician Dr. James Allen, Ashley Regional Medical Center has donated $10,000 to Utah State University-Uintah Basin.

The gift will continue Dr. Allen’s legacy by creating a scholarship fund to encourage and support the next generation of Uintah Basin students pursuing degrees in the medical field. ARMC CEO Benjamin Cluff presented the gift to Dean Boyd Edwards during the opening ceremonies of the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo Thursday, July 9.

“Dr. Allen was the senior member of our medical staff for many years,” Cluff said. “His leadership and strength of character were a great asset to us along with his medical skills. We honor his legacy as a physician, surgeon and a man passionately dedicated to education. We are grateful for the opportunity to commemorate his amazing life.”

The gift will be dispersed as an expendable scholarship and will be awarded to students with a strong academic record who are pursuing degrees and vocations in a medical field.

“We are honored to keep Dr. Allen’s memory alive through this scholarship, which will support future caregivers in our community,” said Edwards. “We thank Ashley Regional Medical for their generous gift and continued partnership.”

Dr. Allen graduated from Union High School before attending USU in Logan as a pre-med student. He graduated from the University of Utah’s medical school in 1969 and completed his residency at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. After moving to Fort Duchesne in 1970, Dr. Allen served as the Ute tribal physician until moving to Vernal where he set up his private practice in 1973. He worked at Ashley Regional for 40 years and was involved in many community organizations, including the rural education committee, Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, Vernal Rotary and Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo Committee.

The Dr. James Allen Memorial Scholarship joins 18 other scholarships created by local donors that are only available to Uintah Basin residents.  

Details on the scholarship and how to apply will be posted online as they are finalized.  uintahbasin.usu.edu/scholarships.

Related link:

Utah State University Uintah Basin

Contacts:

Ashley Regional Medical Center, Debbie Spafford, (435) 781-6896, Debbie.spafford@lpnt.net

USU-Uintah Basin, Dana Rhoades, (435) 722-1788, Dana.rhoades@usu.edu