RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (February 6, 2008)---Dr. Jerry Forbes has been appointed dean of students at Arkansas Tech University.
“I am extremely confident in Dr. Forbes,” said Dr. Gary Biller, vice president for student services. “He brings the experience, knowledge and compassion to the position that will allow him to be an excellent dean of students.”
Forbes has served on the Arkansas Tech Student Services staff since 2005. He was previously associate dean of students and director of retention services.
“I am very excited about this new opportunity,” said Forbes. “I’ve been working with the faculty and staff on retention programs. This new opportunity puts me out front, blowing the trumpet in a new light and with a new audience. I hope that students will better understand what a great opportunity and privilege it is to be here and what possibilities are available once you finish here.”
A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Forbes earned his Bachelor’s degree from Asbury College (Ky.), his Master’s degree in college student personnel from the University of Miami (Fla.) and his Ph.D. from Indiana University.
Before coming to Tech, he was dean of students, vice president for student services and a member of the faculty at Oklahoma Wesleyan University for 13 years.
Forbes said that maintaining the good habits that made students successful in high school once they arrive at college is critical to their success.
“College is such a change,” said Forbes. “Students go to school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. their entire lives, and then some of them get to college and they don’t want to follow that pattern anymore. There is incredible new freedom when you get to college, but there is also more responsibility. If you are willing to accept both, I think it is a great combo. But one without the other isn’t a very balanced life.”
