Pierce Allman ‘54

Pierce Allman, co-owner of Dallas real estate firm Allie Beth Allman and Associates, displayed leadership and self-starter sensibilities as a student at SMU, where he was head cheerleader, Rotunda favorite, class treasurer and an M Award recipient.

 

Allman served in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command after graduating with a B.A. degree in radio and TV. While employed by WFAA-radio, on Nov. 22, 1963, Allman became the first reporter to broadcast an on-scene report after witnessing the assassination of President John F. Kennedy during a presidential motorcade procession along Elm Street, in Dallas.

In 1965, SMU President Willis Tate recruited Allman to head the University’s alumni affairs office. Allman launched a public relations division at TracyLocke advertising agency, winning numerous awards before founding his own marketing firm, Allman & Co.

Dallas and SMU continue to benefit from Allman’s leadership and dedication. Allman co-founded the S.M. Wright Foundation and serves on its board. He has received numerous civic honors and has served on dozens of civic boards. A member of the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences Executive Board since 1994, Allman provided a lead gift in 2010 to launch the Dean’s Research Council. During SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign, he served on the Dedman College Campaign Steering Committee.