Troy D. Allan. Ed.D., MFA, is a Chaplain, Essayist, Professor, and Extension faculty member who believes that art, nature, and theology are deeply connected. His writing often explores the overlooked corners of daily life—travel, solitude, resilience, family—and the ways they shape the human spirit.
After twenty years of active-duty military service, Troy retired in 2021 and returned to his roots in rural Utah. Today, he works with Utah State University Extension, leading initiatives in rural mental health, community wellness, and veteran support.
Troy holds graduate and doctoral degrees in Pastoral Counseling, Comparative Theology, and the Humanities, along with an MFA in Creative Writing from Regis University in Denver. He and his wife of thirty years, along with their two children, live on a small ranch in Koosharem, Utah, where they raise alpacas, Icelandic sheep, and horses. When he isn’t writing, teaching, or traveling, Troy can often be found under open skies, walking trails, and seeking the quiet signs that shape life.
Author
As a writer, Troy's work explores the quiet spaces between resilience, wonder, faith, and the human condition. His personal essays have been recognized for their depth, honesty, and emotional clarity, appearing in literary journals and national publications. His forthcoming book, In the Shadows: Essays on Seeing, gathers years of reflection on how we make meaning through loss, beauty, and the act of paying close attention. With a background as a chaplain, professor, and lifelong student of art, theology, and the natural world, Troy’s writing invites readers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Contact
Troy speaks nationally on resilience, rural mental health, storytelling, awe, and navigating life’s transitions with purpose and hope. Known for his down-to-earth style and powerful storytelling, Troy brings audiences a message that is both deeply reflective and immediately relevant. To book Troy for a keynote, workshop, or event, please reach out through the contact form.