Since childhood, Katarina “Kat” Lowe has felt a strong connection to Western New Mexico University, a bond that has shaped both her life and her future.
Lowe recalls how her academic journey began earlier than most. “I technically started going here in sixth grade, because that’s when I was doing dual credit,” she said.
Growing up in Deming, Lowe participated in the Gear Up program, which allowed her to earn college credits in general education courses such as math, reading and writing. “My class was the first class to do that,” she said. “My mom told me, ‘I want you to do this. Do it. It’ll help you in the long run.’ And I said, ‘You got it, Mom!’”
That early experience sparked a lifelong connection to the institution. After earning her associate degree in graphic design at the WNMU Deming campus, Kat met her future husband, WNMU Advisor Eric Lowe. She then enrolled at the Silver City Campus to complete her design degree. Moving to the Silver City Campus opened her eyes to new opportunities and experiences.
“My first impressions of the Silver City campus were that it was beautiful and big, because I was only used to the tiny Deming campus,” she said. “When we finally came up here, it was nice to have all the buildings and be able to walk around.”
From Student to Professional
During her undergraduate years, Kat benefitted from the guidance and support of faculty mentors who guided her journey. She credits former sculpting professor Michael Metcalf with mentoring her early in her academic path. She also attributes her creative focus to graphic design professor Ed Brandt.
“In 2020, when we got the new graphic design professor, Ed Brandt, he really helped me zero in on what I wanted to do creatively and pushed me to do that,” she said.
Kat’s firsthand understanding of student life opened the door to a range of professional opportunities on campus.
She worked as a student employee in rehabilitation services, nursing, and alumni affairs. Later, she transitioned into a professional staff role in the marketing department while embracing her new role as a mom to her daughter, Autumn. Today, she manages the university’s student-targeted outreach and social media presence, particularly TikTok and Instagram.
“I find being an alum continues to help me communicate more effectively with today’s students; I can relate to what they are experiencing. I find it especially helpful when working with social media,” Kat said.
She said this perspective helps her identify and leverage emerging digital trends to connect with students. One recent video campaign generated high engagement and positive feedback from both current students and alumni.
A Career Built at WNMU
As she transitioned from student worker to professional staff, Kat said the shift brought a profound change and additional responsibility.
“The accountability is totally different from being a student to working professionally. You don’t have that safety net anymore. It’s literally all you.”
Looking ahead, she remains committed to amplifying student voices and sharing the WNMU story. She continues this work as the university prepares to welcome incoming President Jose Coll. Kat looks forward to supporting his vision, helping achieve it, and expanding opportunities for students.