Owen Forbes graduated from Saint Augustine’s University in 1997 but he has returned to the Falcon’s nest. Mr. Forbes started in the fall as Residence Hall Director for Falk Crest dorms.
Mr. Forbes has 16 years of experience in residential life at several universities includingWinston-Salem State University, North Carolina Central University, Johnson C. Smith University, Shaw University and Livingstone College.
“I am very passionate and love what I do, Mr. Forbes said. “I decided to work at my Alma Mater because I wanted to give back to my school.”
In his experience, Mr. Forbes said, staff work in residential life improve the school in a way that “goes unnoticed.” But his plans for Falk Crest are ambitious. He says he has plans to host events that will keep the upperclassmen engaged through the school year.
Mr. Forbes said he would like to help students reach their full potential through activities such career development programs, Bible study and study sessions.
His presence is definitely being noticed.
“I definitely see a change in Falk Crest,” said Amber Hagin, a senior and Mass Communications major who is resident assistant at Falk Crest. “There is a lot more organization than ever before. Yes, I have to admit Falk Crest had many hiccups but overall, the job is getting done.
Mr. Forbes has a great team behind him and we are all working diligently for the sake of the residence living in this facility,” Hagin added.
Forbes enjoys singing, planning events, traveling and motivational speaking. In fact, Mr. Forbes has hopes of forming a gospel choir at Saint Augustine’s University. He served as college Gospel Choir professor for three years at his former place of employment, Livingstone College.
For now, he is making Falk Crest residents happy. How many of Mr. Forbes plans work out remain to be seen, but many are just glad the dorm is open – parts of the dorm had to be closed last semester due to structural problems, and last semester university administrators had said other sections might be closed for renovation.
“As you can see, Falkc Cest is up and running and under new management,” said Natia Simmons, a senior biology major from Wilmington, NC. “I am excited for the new changes that are going to be done this year.”
–Laquasia Jackson
