The experience of Alan Robert
Pence has been wide and varied in terms of location and kinds of responsibilities.
He did original research on the Kunimaipa Language of Papua New Guinea, taught
linguistics for SIL International in several different schools, served in a
number of administrative positions for SIL, lived and traveled extensively in many
countries of Asia and the Pacific, did extensive work in Human Resources
Policies for SIL and for Leadership Development International and taught
English in China for LDI.
Following their arrival
in Papua New Guinea
in 1959, Alan and his wife, Patricia, began work with the Kunimaipa language
group. In the five years which they spent in that project, the Pences
learned to speak Kunimaipa, analyzed major parts of the grammar, began a
dictionary, researched an alphabet, and translated helpful materials for the people.
During this time, Alan also served in other responsibilities for SIL, chiefly in
giving consultant help to other language teams and organizing linguistic
workshops.
Alan was appointed Director
of the Papua New Guinea Branch of SIL and headed that administration for
six years. In 1971 Al accepted appointment as Vice-President for Operations for
SIL International where he served until the end of 1976. In August 1976 Al was elected
as Director of the North America Branch of SIL. He served in that capacity
until July 1984. Alan served as a member of the Board of Directors of SIL International
for 13 years along with other duties. He began work as Vice-President for Asia in January 1985 and served there until April 1992. His
appointment Vice-President for Program Development began in January 1993. This
position carried with it responsibility for field planning, development of
financial resources, the strategic information office, international government
relations, field research and various other field-related aspects.
Alan received his B.A. in
Music from CaliforniaStateUniversity--Fresno which
he attended from 1951-1955. The following year he studied at CaliforniaStateUniversity--Long
Beach, then earned Special Certificate in the Graduate course at MultnomahSchool of the Bible in 1957. He received
the Master of Arts Degree in Linguistics from the University
of California,
Los Angeles in
1965. Alan’s first teaching assignment was at the Australia SIL course in early
1959. He also taught linguistics at SIL training courses in 1963 (Australia), 1964 (North Dakota), 1965 (North Dakota) and 1972 (Seattle). His published works (mainly in
linguistics) include about 20 titles.
Alan and his wife Patricia
were married in June, 1956. They have three children: Jeffrey, Scott and Wendy—each
of whom also has 3 children.
Alan’s grandparents,
James and Elizabeth Stotts developed schools in China beginning about 1905. His parents
worked in agricultural development assisting the people of central Turkey from
1927 to 1934.