Carl Allen, William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Endowed Professor of Jazz Studies, was named the 2025 Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year by the Jazz Education Network, a professional organization dedicated to building the jazz arts community through education and performance.
The Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year Award recognizes “an outstanding college or university educator in the field of jazz, who represents the highest standards of teaching and whose results have brought distinction to their institution and their students.”
“Professor Allen’s unwavering passion for jazz and his commitment to his students’ success perfectly embody the spirit of this award,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the UMKC Conservatory. “His dedication and artistry continue to elevate our program and inspires the next generation of musicians to pursue innovation and excellence in everything they do.”
Allen has been at UMKC since 2021; prior to that, he was the artistic director of jazz studies at the Juilliard School. Along with his career in academics, Allen has played on Grammy-winning albums and with jazz legends, including Ron Carter and Kansas City native Bobby Watson. Part of what drew Allen to UMKC and Kansas City is its jazz history and the opportunities that could bring for his students.
“We don’t grow in isolation. We grow in community,” Allen said. “Relationships are important. They’re cyclical. Students need access to the jazz community and the people working in it to succeed and fulfill their dreams.”
Allen often brings guest artists into his classroom. His connections in the jazz world have brought his past students and fellow musicians to work with UMKC students, including Ron Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Terence Blanchard and Christian McBride.
“When our students have the chance to be in the room and interact with these jazz greats, it makes them human,” Allen said. “These kinds of opportunities shape these students, and I always want to provide more of them.”
The work in the classroom is important, but for Allen, what happens outside of the classroom is just as important. Along with helping his students grow in their music abilities, he helps them grow as people. His work is to help them grow as people, not just musicians.
“I want them to be great,” Allen said. “You can be great as a musician, as a parent, as a computer technician. Whatever you aspire to be, I want you to be great because you’ve set a high standard for yourself in every aspect of your life. We have the power to affect other peoples’ lives through the gifts we’ve been given, and we should be the best version of ourselves.”
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