GRINNELL, Iowa – Kara Lowe is returning to her roots.
After a nationwide search, the Iowa native has been selected to be Grinnell College's new Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities, Equipment and Events.
Lowe was most recently Director of Athletic Internal Operations at Saint Michael's College in Vermont after serving as Coordinator of Athletic Facilities, Student-Workers and Events.
She oversaw student-employees and facility management, serving as the liaison for the club rugby programs, and played a role in game day management. Lowe also facilitated all recreational programming for the Saint Michael's Accelerated Summer College program. Since 2019, she was on the Northeast-10 Conference Sport Administration Council.
"We are pleased to announce Kara Lowe as our new Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities, Equipment and Events, where she will oversee the comprehensive management of our PEAR (Physical Education and Recreation) facilities and events," said Holly Roepke, Grinnell's Director of Athletics. "In her roles at St. Michael's, Coe and Drake, Kara has successfully managed multiple facility renovation projects, implemented innovative systems and helped to create a positive experience for all stakeholders. Her expertise in facility operations, risk management and demonstrated ability to enhance the student-athlete and fan experience make her an exceptional addition to Grinnell College."
A native of Crawfordsville, Iowa, Lowe attended WACO High School and later earned two degrees from the American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines where she was also captain of the women's basketball team. She was the Student Government Association's historian, vice president of community service for the Business Management Association and a Student Orientation staff leader. She earned induction into Phi Theta Kappa.
She then pursued her master's degree at Drake University in Des Moines while also serving as the university's Recreation Facility Coordinator. She coordinated operations and maintenance aspects of tennis and fitness facilities, a pool, as well as an equipment room, and was charged with event setup and breakdown for all athletic events. Additionally, Lowe hired, trained and scheduled 70 student employees to staff the facilities. Lowe completed her master's in public administration, with an emphasis in nonprofit organizations, in 2013. She was also been inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for students of public administration.
Lowe later served as Athletic Facilities and Events Coordinator at Coe College in Cedar Rapids during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. Among her numerous responsibilities, Lowe managed the opening of a $20 million facility expansion and renovation, served as the liaison between Athletics and various campus departments, coordinated facility scheduling, oversaw business operations and transportation for all 21 Division III programs and managed the student staff.
"I am beyond excited to join the Athletics team at Grinnell College," said Lowe, who plans to start at GC in early January. "I want to thank Ben Cooprider and the rest of the team for all their efforts with this hiring process and for providing such a welcoming environment. My passion for athletics and a student-centered approach is why I believe Grinnell is a great fit. After spending one day on campus, it is evident that Grinnell focuses on listening to their students and taking action. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help be part of the positive impact on this campus."
