Jim Allen earned his bachelors degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and his masters from Louisiana State University. He is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking (LSU) and the School of Bank Marketing (University of Colorado). In addition to his multiple degrees, he has taken numerous coursework in banking, marketing, accounting, and business law. As a complement to his sales experience, Jim also has 30 years experience in commercial real estate financing. He was director of economics and marketing planning for Gulf South Research Institute for 10 years.