Dominic Lowe named new principal at Lowell High School

Lowe is making the move from East Kentwood’s freshman center to Lowell HS

By Justin Scott - School News

17 June 2025

Lowell Area Schools has officially welcomed Dominic Lowe as the new principal of Lowell High School. Lowe, who most recently served as the freshman center principal at East Kentwood High School, steps into the role vacated by Steve Gough, who moved into a position within the district’s central office.

Superintendent Nate Fowler shared his enthusiasm about the new hire. “I’m excited to announce Dominic Lowe as the new Lowell High School Principal,” said Fowler. “He was selected after an interview process that consisted of high school staff, district administrators and members from the board. Mr. Lowe also was a finalist for the Director of Teaching and Learning position, where it became evident that he had the tools to be a leader in our district, in some capacity.”

“Interview teams described Mr. Lowe as a data-driven school leader who knows how to leverage the assets of the instructional staff to create the best outcomes for students,” Fowler continued. “He is also very passionate about school culture and climate development, career and technical educational experiences, and innovative learning opportunities in schools.”

Lowe brings a wealth of experience from Kentwood Public Schools, where he spent the past 25 years, 14 as a teacher, six as an assistant principal, and the last five in his most recent role at the freshman center. East Kentwood is the largest high school in the state, serving the most diverse student body in the state. Despite spending his entire professional career in Kentwood, he’s no stranger to Lowell. In fact, he’s been part of the community for years.

“I have two children, a rising junior and a rising sophomore, at Lowell,” Lowe said. “My daughter plays volleyball and soccer, and my son runs cross country and plays lacrosse. Through those experiences, I’ve gotten to know many families and kids in the community; it already feels like home.”

The decision to pursue the high school principal role came after Lowe initially applied for the Director of Teaching and Learning position. When that role was filled internally by Steve Gough, the outgoing high school principal, the high school position opened, and Lowe quickly expressed his interest.

Lowe says his enthusiasm for Lowell runs deep: “It’s the community, for sure. There’s so much pride in this town. Whether it’s families, like the Beachums, who’ve been here for generations, or the people I’ve met through my kids’ activities, the sense of connection is real. Growing up in Ashley, a small town in mid-Michigan, it reminds me of home.” Ashley today is an extremely small high school, serving just 53 kids. From a small school to the largest in the state, to Lowell, which is still a large school, but nowhere near East Kentwood’s enrollment.”

The interview process, itself, stood out for Lowe. “It was unique and fast-moving,” he said. “I’ve only ever interviewed in Kentwood, so this was new territory. The process Dustin (Cichocki) and Nate put together really allowed me to show what I care about as a leader. What struck me most was how passionate the staff are about the school and the community. It gave me confidence that this is a place where people truly care.” It was down to two external individuals for the hire, Lowe, and Portland’s director of secondary education.

While excited for the new opportunity, Lowe admits he’ll miss his Kentwood family. “The people are what I’ll miss the most,” he shared. “Kentwood gave me the chance to form lifelong friendships and to work in a place that puts belonging at the center. I’ve coached for 14 years, and now some of my former athletes are bringing their own kids back through the doors. It’s powerful to be part of someone’s story in that way.”

Lowe’s own story started in Ashley, where he grew up with a strong sense of community and the value of hard work. He attended Grand Valley State University, initially pursuing engineering, a decision influenced by his father’s knack for designing tools and working with his hands. But a dismissive comment from a professor became a turning point for him.

“I didn’t have the calculus background, coming from a small school, and a professor scoffed when I said I wanted to be an engineer. That moment crushed me, but it also shaped me. It taught me how powerful our words are as educators and why it’s critical to recognize the whole student, not just what they come in with. Kids need us to believe in them, even when they don’t yet believe in themselves.”

That mindset, Lowe says, will guide his work at Lowell High School. “I’m just grateful to be part of this next chapter. There’s work to do, but we’ll do it together. I’m ready to get started.”