The Rev. Dr. Irene B. Allen, pastor of the Mt. Gazerine Baptist Church, graduated May 12 from Regent University in Virginia Beach, earning a doctor of ministry degree with a GPA of 3.89. She completed all of her core courses in the summer of 2016 which afforded her the privilege of being addressed as a doctor of ministry until her final dissertation phase was completed. After completing her dissertation phase in December 2017, she became eligible to be awarded her doctorate on May 12. Her dissertation focused on “Redeeming the Koinonia Among Selected Area African-American Baptist Congregations.” Dr. Allen is the wife of the Rev. Ricky C. Allen, Sr. They have six adult children and nine grandchildren. She and her husband reside in Kenbridge.