For more than a decade, Nicole Allen has been a driving force in the global movement for Open Education. Currently serving as Director of Education at SPARC, she leads work on open education policy and engages the library community to advance openness on campuses across North America and beyond.
Nicole’s journey began in 2006 with the Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), where she organized large-scale grassroots campaigns to address the high cost of textbooks and advocate for open alternatives. Notably, she spearheaded the nationwide “Textbook Rebellion” tour, mobilizing students at 40 campuses and rallying support from more than 3,000 professors for open textbooks.
In 2013, Nicole joined SPARC to launch and lead its Open Education program, which has since grown into a national network of over 100 academic librarians and a strong advocacy portfolio influencing state, national, and international policy. She has helped shape key initiatives such as the OER USA Coalition, the Open Policy Network, and OpenCon, sparking conversations and action on open education around the world.
Recognized internationally as a leading voice and expert, Nicole has been widely cited in the media and invited to deliver hundreds of talks, trainings, and keynotes across more than a dozen countries. Her dynamic presence and message have inspired a new generation of advocates, igniting passion for open education as both a social justice issue and a practical solution to barriers in access and affordability.
Nicole brings a unique perspective as both a member of the millennial generation—sharing the lived experience of today’s students—and a seasoned professional with deep expertise. Her leadership has made a lasting impact, advancing open education as a global priority and empowering others to carry the movement forward.
