Carl Albert State College (CASC) is proud to announce the appointment of Mark D. Allen as the newest member of its Board of Regents. A lifelong Oklahoman and accomplished public servant, Allen brings decades of leadership experience in business, military service, and state government to his new role with the college.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Allen graduated from Wilburton High School in 1967 and began his higher education journey at Eastern Oklahoma State College. He later served honorably in the U.S. Navy Seabees as a Heavy Equipment Operator, deploying to Okinawa and Guam. After his military service, Allen continued his studies at Central State University before entering the oil and gas industry.

Allen went on to lead his family’s oilfield service company, Allen Rathole, which he owned and operated until its closure in 2019. Under his leadership, the company provided vital support to Oklahoma’s energy sector for more than five decades.

In 2010, Allen was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate representing District 4 (LeFlore and Sequoyah Counties), serving the maximum three terms. Throughout his legislative tenure, he held numerous leadership roles including Chairman of the Transportation, Energy, and Tribal Relations Committees. He also served as Majority Whip and on key committees such as Education, Appropriations, and Public Safety.

“Senator Allen’s wealth of experience and lifelong commitment to Oklahoma make him an exceptional addition to our Board of Regents,” said Dr. Jay Falkner, CASC President. “His insight into both business and public service will serve our institution—and our students—very well.”

Beyond public office, Allen remains active in his community. He is a board member of the Pajaro Gun Club, an NRA Endowment Member, and currently serves as Chairman of the LeFlore County Republicans. He was also a delegate to the 2024 GOP National Convention and served on the Republican National Platform Committee. Allen and his wife, Nikki, are members of Victory Worship Center in Spiro.

CASC is honored to welcome Mark Allen to its Board of Regents and looks forward to his guidance as the college continues its mission of providing high-quality, affordable education to students throughout eastern Oklahoma.