Membership Spotlight: Dr. Cassandra Owens
Q: What inspired you to attend Clark Atlanta University (CC, AU, or CAU, and how did your time there shape who you are today?
A: I grew up on the campus of Lane College. My parents met there as students, and after graduation, my father continued his professional career at the institution. As a result, attending a historically Black college or university was never a question for me—it was simply a matter of which one I would choose. I ultimately selected Clark College because it offered the perfect balance: far enough from home to grow independently, yet close enough to remain connected to my roots. My years at Clark were among the most formative of my life. The institution not only affirmed my belief in myself but also shaped me as a leader. Clark cultivated in me the confidence to speak, the courage to stand, and the responsibility to use my voice with purpose. In classrooms, conversations, and campus life, I began to understand that leadership was not simply about position, but about presence, character, and service. I vividly remember graduation day in the gymnasium—the pride, the anticipation, and the profound realization that the world would soon call on me for answers. In that moment, I understood that the answers I offered would not only reflect who I was, but also the values, discipline, leadership, and legacy of Clark.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or tradition from your time at CAU that still resonates with you?
A: I was voted runner-up to Ms. Holmes Hall my freshman year. My first homecoming as a student, I had attended every Lane College homecoming. This was my first parade as a student, and it was perfect. My parents were there; I remember smiling and waving to them in the crowd.
Q: How has being part of the CAU alumni network, especially in the Carolinas, impacted your personal or professional journey?
A: I love this network, the energy is calm and inviting, as a collective, we get things done.
Q: What advice would you give to current CAU students or recent graduates navigating life after college?
A: Remain present in the moment. Life is a series of ebbs and flows, but you keep moving.
