Interview with Dr. Rob Owens
Biography
Dr. Robert Owens has worked for years in access and diversity at Tennessee Tech University. Among many other areas within this work is coordination of the $2 million diversity scholarship fundraising effort. In January 2020, Owens was appointed Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at Tennessee Tech. In this role, he had oversight of over 10 student service departments and helped navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic in serving students at the institution. In March of 2021, he was appointed Chief Diversity Officer. And in July of 2024, due to changes in the scope of his work at the university, became the Senior Executive for Access and Community Outreach.
Dr. Owens established the Man UP initiative in 2020 and has given presentations on it at conferences as far as Honolulu, HI. Owens has helped Tech reach its highest levels of ethnic diversity in history via broadened recruitment efforts and sustained retention programming. He has given presentation about Tech’s retention programming for students of color across the United States.
Owens’ work in the community is multi-faceted as well. This work includes serving as Pastor of a multi-ethnic church located in the heart of Cookeville, TN, and serving on boards of various local organizations such as the Cookeville-Putnam Country Chamber of Commerce and Highlands Residential Services (formerly the Cookeville Housing Authority). Dr. Owens also coaches middle and high school boys’ basketball in Cookeville, TN.
For the last two years, Owens served as Director of the Tennessee American Legion Boys’ State program and will serve again in 2025.
Kaitlin Kotasek (KK): What first drew you to Cookeville, and what made you stay and invest in the community?
Dr. Rob Owens (RO): I initially planned to attend UT Knoxville, but as my senior year approached, I realized I didn’t want to be that far from home. Tennessee Tech was a great option—closer than UT, and my mother, who had been an adjunct professor, knew the strength of the institution. Once I arrived, I had a fantastic undergraduate experience, got deeply involved in the community, and met my wife here. I quickly developed a deep appreciation for the community and culture here and Tennessee Tech quickly became home. After graduating with my bachelor’s, I decided to pursue my master’s degree here as well. Looking back, I believe it was all part of God’s plan for me.
KK: As a senior executive for Access, Belonging, and Community Outreach, what projects or initiatives are you most excited about?
RO: I love working with students, and my passion is ensuring that all students—especially those who may feel unseen—have the support they need. As a Black student in the 90s, I understood the challenges of being in the minority. That experience fuels my commitment to creating an environment where every student, regardless of background, can thrive. Growing up, I was always taught to treat people well, no matter where they come from or what they look like, and I’ve carried that with me throughout my career.
Our office is focused on fostering inclusion, even though the word isn’t in our title. It’s about ensuring Tennessee Tech is a place where all students feel they belong, whether they’re from a small rural town or a large, diverse city. In January, we hosted a men’s health event. We are currently planning an event focused on women’s health and success, featuring an inspiring speaker from Tennessee. We’re also in discussions about an accessibility initiative with the Accessible Education Center. Last year, we organized "Wings Up, Wheels Up," an accessibility awareness event that highlighted students who use mobility devices. These initiatives are about creating a more inclusive campus for everyone.
KK: Can you share a student success story that has had a lasting impact on you?
RO: One student who stands out is Mattea Trusty, whom I’ve known since she was in middle school because our families attended the same church. Mattea has used a motorized chair her entire life. Last year, she raised concerns at a town hall about accessibility issues in one of our newer buildings. That concern led to a series of meetings where I gained a better understanding of her experience navigating campus. Mattea never hesitated to advocate for needed changes while excelling academically. She graduated with a strong GPA and remains an inspiration. There are so many individuals who may be in a situation like Mattea's or one parallel to hers, and if they are not seen or heard, their ability to navigate life at Tech could be much more difficult than it needs to be. Her story highlights why offices like ours exist—to ensure students are seen, heard and supported.
KK: What are some of the biggest barriers on campus right now?
RO: One of the biggest challenges is accessibility in older campus buildings that weren’t originally designed with modern ADA standards in mind. While many have been renovated, some still need improvements, like automated doors and better entryway access. Small changes—like adding audio callouts in elevators for visually impaired students—can make a huge difference. Another challenge is the need for a dedicated ADA coordinator to oversee campus-wide accessibility efforts. While we have great support through the Accessible Education Center, having a full-time role focused on ensuring all campus spaces and events are fully inclusive would be a significant step forward. We’ve made progress—like with the Ashraf Islam Engineering Building, which was designed with accessibility in mind—but there’s still work to do to make sure every student can navigate campus comfortably.
KK: What are your hobbies outside of work?
RO: I love basketball! I grew up around the game and my children have also played. I still love playing when I can, and I also enjoy coaching. One of the best things that Tennessee Tech has offered me, not necessarily in my role over the years or in my role now, is to serve as a character coach for men's basketball. I get to spend time with the men's basketball team early in the season and talk about manhood. You know, being successful as a student-athlete and things of that nature. Because of this, I’ve been able to stay connected to the game in a very unique way while also supporting our student athletes.
KK: What advice do you have for parents of college students?
RO: I've mentored, advised, and supported hundreds of students over the years. I would
first say allow your student space to grow and make mistakes while continuing to support
them. Allowing space does not mean that you don't communicate, it just simply means
that you don't hover or smother. College is a learning experience, and mistakes—academic
or otherwise—are part of that journey. Trust the foundation you’ve built as a parent.
My wife and I have a son attending Tennessee Tech this fall, and we try to follow
the same advice I’ve given parents for years: support without hovering. We let them
navigate and try not to let them fall completely. Trust the work that you’ve done
and provide support and insight when it’s needed. Encourage your student to seek resources
on campus. Universities have professionals ready to support students through challenges,
whether academic struggles, personal losses, or mental health concerns. Parents don’t
always have to be the first or only point of support—helping students find their on-campus
network can make all the difference.
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