Allen Knight Death, Obituary – It is with deep regret that we must inform you of the passing of Dr. E. Allen Knight, who was a much loved member of the SAU faculty. Dr. Knight has been dedicatedly serving Spring Arbor University for the past 15 years, first as the Director of the Hosmer Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and then in various roles teaching business, leadership, organizational management, marketing, and entrepreneurship within the Gainey School of Business. During this time, Dr. Knight has received numerous accolades for his service. Dr. Knight has over 25 years of experience in the publishing of books and music, as well as extensive experience in logistics and distribution, wholesale and retail operations, and extensive consulting experience. Before coming to Southern Arkansas University, Dr. Knight worked in these fields.
In his mid-fifties, Dr. Knight, who considers himself to be a student for life, earned his Doctor of Business Administration degree from Anderson University with a focus in management and a concentration in leadership. This degree was earned with an emphasis in management and a concentration in leadership. Earlier in his career, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Milligan College near Elizabethton, Tennessee. Dr. Knight was not only a two-time recipient of Spring Arbor University’s Teaching Excellence Award, but he also served as an excellent example of the Spring Arbor University Concept by being passionate about the study and application of the liberal arts.
In addition to the business discipline, some of his other favorite subjects included economics, music, history, and philosophy. He had faith in his students and the abilities they possessed, and he motivated them to make a difference in the world by bringing their Christian faith to the workplace along with their expertise and training in the relevant field. He never failed to encourage his pupils to broaden their horizons intellectually and to place stewardship and service at the core of everything they attempted. Dr. Knight will be remembered fondly for his hilarious sense of humor, the intensity of his passion, and the Christlike love he displayed toward those who were in his immediate vicinity.
He made it a point to give his students his undivided attention and respect at all times, and he took the time to get to know each of them on an individual basis. As his students’ academic advisor and professor, he was concerned about his students’ spiritual development equally to the extent that he was concerned about their academic excellence and career development. He will be sorely missed by everyone. Even as those on our campus grieve for Allen’s family and the earthly loss of our dear friend, professor, and colleague, we remain steadfast in the unwavering hope that nothing – not even death – can separate us from the love of Christ, and that today Allen is at peace in the loving arms of his Savior and King.