Barbara Forrest-Ball

Learn more about PCSBFSA Treasurer Barabra Forrest-Ball.

Interested in participating in the commission and building community with Black professionals at OSU? Please contact us.

 

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Photo of Barabra Forrest-Ball

Preferred Name: Barbara (or Babz)

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Current position at OSU: Program Manager of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Access Services at DAS (Disability Access Services)

Campus: Corvallis

Where did you spend most of your time growing up? Split between Englewood, NJ (one town over from Eddie Murphy) and New Smyrna Beach, FL (billed as "The World's Safest Beach")

What is the book on your nightstand? The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich - a selection for Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge. It's challenging, alright!

What are you currently listening to (i.e., music, podcast, etc.)? Podcasts - all of them. Music - Instrumental Deep House/Lo Fi

What inspires you the most right now? Photographers Carrie Mae Weems and Dread Scott, and James Baldwin's writing.

Link to Campus Website: https://ds.oregonstate.edu/

Tell us what you do at OSU?

I am the Program Manager of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Access Services at DAS (Disability Access Services). I am also an American Sign Language/English interpreter, real-time transcriber, and I carry a student caseload.

How long have you been at OSU? What keeps you here?

I started at OSU as a transcriber/interpreter Fall term 2013 and transitioned into my current position a year later.

What keeps me here is the joy of working with and supporting students, faculty, and staff. Also, I love my colleagues at DAS.

What is an interesting fact, hobby, or interest?

I'm currently pursuing a post-bacc degree in Creative Writing with minors in Applied Journalism and Photography.

What is your favorite spot to eat, or explore in Oregon?

My husband and I love the Sylvia Beach Hotel. There’s a great restaurant called the Green Salmon Coffee Company in Yachats that we always stop at on the way to the hotel.

What is a favorite quote that keeps you inspired, moving forward, as Black Faculty and/or Staff?

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ~ Harriet Tubman