Eric Owens
Coordinator of Community Development
In Progress-PhD (Counselor Education and Supervision), Duquesne University
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (Community Counseling), Duquesne University
MA (Student Affairs in Higher Education), Indiana University of Pennsylvania
BA (Communications and Political Science), University of Pittsburgh
Office
3600 Cathedral of Learning
Phone
412-624-8633
Fax
412-624-6885
E-mail
eowens@pitt.edu
Office Hours and Locations
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Eric Owens first came to the University of Pittsburgh in September 1991 as a sophomore transfer student from the University of Maryland. After receiving his BA from Pitt in December 1994, (communications and political science with minors in English writing and history), he continued on to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. There he received an MA in student affairs in higher education, a degree that combines higher education management with counseling. While completing his MA, Owens honed his research skills, culminating with his master's thesis, His thesis, entitled "A Predictive Study of the Psychosocial Development of Student Paraprofessionals," examined the role and personal development of student paraprofessionals in student affairs.
Owens returned to Pitt in the summer of 1997 as a resident director, first in Lothrop Hall and later in Tower A. During that time he worked closely with students in the residence halls, supervising resident assistants, advising student organizations, and assisting resident students with academic and personal issues. Owens also worked closely with the School of Engineering on the Engineering Living-Learning Community as well as other projects outside Student Affairs.
Owens came to the UHC in June 2000, first as the housemaster of the Forbes-Craig apartments, and then as coordinator of Community Development and Honors Housing. In his current role, Owens advises the Student Honors Activities Council (SHAC), coordinates the Honors Housing program, works with Residence Life and Panther Central on housing-related issues, and is responsible for developing the co-curricular and extra-curricular aspects of the University Honors College. Owens teaches HONORS 0001, a freshman seminar that focuses on the academic and personal transitions involved in life at the University, as well as courses in the counseling program at Duquesne University. Owens is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with a specific focus on counseling high-achieving college students.
When he's not in the UHC, Owens is likely spending time with his wife, Shannon, and his toddler son, Ryan. Owens is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University with the goal of educating future counselors. Owens is also an avid sports fan and participant, and might be found at a Pittsburgh Penguins game, playing in a local hockey league or in a pickup basketball game at Bellefield gym.