Allen Community College has announced John Masterson, longtime educator and former college president, as its 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, recognizing a lifetime of service defined by care, connection, and a deep commitment to student success.
A native of Iola and an Allen alumnus himself, Masterson’s relationship with the college spans more than five decades. From student to coach, counselor, administrator, trustee, and ultimately president, Masterson dedicated his career to fostering an educational environment rooted in accessibility, personal connection, and community trust.
“For John, Allen Community College has never just been a workplace—it has been a calling,” said ACC President Lyvier Leffler. “His outstanding leadership shaped a legacy that will influence generations to come.”
Masterson served the college in numerous roles before becoming president, a position he held for nearly 30 years. Throughout that tenure, he was known for his hands‑on leadership style and visible presence among students, faculty, and staff. Whether through casual conversations in the hallway, mentoring student leaders, or supporting employees through personal and professional challenges, Masterson emphasized relationships as the foundation of education.
“If students know you care about them, they want to succeed,” Masterson said in reflecting on his philosophy. “That sense of caring changes everything.”
Under his leadership, Allen Community College experienced periods of growth and innovation, including the expansion of outreach programs, early adoption of online education, and development of workforce‑related initiatives. Masterson also championed Allen’s international student program, bringing global perspectives to a rural Kansas campus and enriching the educational experience for all students.
Despite those achievements, Masterson consistently measures success not by buildings or enrollment figures, but by people.
“As a leader, it was always important to me that faculty and staff knew they were valued,” he said. “If they felt cared for, they could pass that along—and then everyone could care for the students the way they deserve.”
Masterson retired as president in 2022 and briefly returned to serve as interim president during a leadership transition. Now in his eighth decade of life, he remains deeply grateful for the role Allen played in shaping his journey.
“This college cared about me when I was a student,” Masterson said. “I’ve spent my life trying to pay that forward.”
Masterson will be formally recognized as Allen Community College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus during the commencement ceremony on May 9, where he will address the graduating class as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. The commencement ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. in the ACC gymnasium.
