Longtime Staff Member Paula Allstot Retires From USD After Four Decades of Service
Known to many at USD as “PA,” Allstot spent five years in the business office at USD’s Springfield location and then transferred to main campus. In Vermillion, Allstot spent her first seven years with the registrar’s office and the remaining 32 years with admissions/the enrollment processing center.
Travis Vlasman, director of graduate admissions at USD, said he has worked with Allstot nearly every day since he started at USD.
“My appreciation for all the help PA has given me over the years cannot be stated enough,” said Vlasman. “On many occasions, I have approached her with something that needed to be done, and she would take care of it without me ever needing to explain.
“She is one of the sincerest people I have ever worked with, and she is the biggest USD fan I know,” Vlasman continued. “She has always taken the time to ask me how I’m doing, how my family is doing and how my job is going. She is consistent with her concern, and I value that a great deal. Thank you for the devotion you have shown to our team and to USD.”
Whether she’s in the office, riding her bike, walking with colleagues or frequenting a Coyote sporting event, Allstot’s presence on campus will be missed. Here’s what she said had to say about her upcoming retirement.
What is your favorite part about working at USD?
I have liked getting to know the students and their families, and to see the students grow as persons.
Many people know you as a superfan of USD athletics. What do you love most about the Coyotes?
Getting to know the athletes and watching them grow in their sports.
Do you have any favorite memories from past USD sporting events?
Some of my favorite moments were watching the men’s basketball team participate in the Elite Eight in Springfield, Massachusetts, back in 1994, and the last year the women’s basketball team was in Division II and went to the Elite Eight in Kearney, Nebraska, and made it to the championship game. The last one is when our women’s basketball team won the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). It was so much fun watching them play at home.
Your nickname “PA” – where did that come from?
At one time in the Admissions Office, there were two of us named Paula. Both of us had middle names that started with J. So, she was called “PT,” and I was called “PA.”
What are your plans for retirement?
My husband, Gene Allstot, and I plan to do some traveling, and we’re excited to be able to go anywhere at any time. We love going to Golden Bowl in Sioux City, Iowa.
