Forrest Hobart Rose was born in Lewis Center, Ohio on December 23, 1899 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University. His wife was the former Ruth E. Smith and they had two daughters, Mrs. Barbara (Harry) Rust of Cape Girardeau and Mrs. (Bruce) Kelly of Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Forrest H. Rose was a member of Southeast Missouri State College faculty for thirty-nine years and was dean of the college until his death. He came to Southeast in 1930 as a speech teacher and eventually gravitated to the English department. Soon Rose took a leave of absence and earned his Ph. D. from the University of Wisconsin.

He returned to Southeast in 1938 to head the newly-organized department of speech. Rose remained in that position until stepping down in April, 1967. With his leadership, the Speech Department faculty increased to twelve members and the new course offerings included speech therapy and theatre. He received the appointment as Dean of the College in 1945, holding it until his death. In addition, Rose held prominent roles in a number of professional organizations. He was national president of Pi Kappa Delta, an international forensic organization. He was a member of the Speech Association of America, chairman of the athletic committee at the college, and held the position of secretary-treasurer of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Rose was also very involved in community affairs. He was a long-standing member and president of the Lions Club and he served for many years on the board for the Salvation Army. He also took a very active role in his church. He died on December 20, 1969.