Faculty and Staff Spotlight - Dr. Natalia Buta Lowe

May 4, 2026 8:00 AM

Bobcat Bulletin Faculty and Staff Spotlight highlights employees who are making a difference on our campus every day and helping to change the lives of our students. This edition of Bobcat Bulletin features Dr. Natalia Buta Lowe.

Position and Department:

Recreation and Parks Management professor and undergraduate and graduate Program Coordinator and faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Recreation and Parks Management

How long have you worked at FSU?

I have worked at FSU for nearly 16 years. I started in August 2010, and I sometimes cannot believe it's been that long.

What 3 words can you use to describe FSU?

I would describe FSU as "opportunity" because it provides meaningful pathways for learning and growth. I would also describe it as "connection" because it fosters a strong sense of community. I personally met my husband here; a lifelong connection made at FSU. Finally, I would describe it as "natural beauty" because the surrounding environment offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, which are especially meaningful within recreation and parks management, where place-based experiences are central to understanding the field. The community and place attachment help explain why I have personally stayed at FSU for so long. I was given opportunities, I built strong personal connections, and I truly enjoy the natural beauty of this area.

List any professional or personal accomplishments we can celebrate with you.

As a faculty member, I have completed and published research in various settings, including Romania, Puerto Rico and Western Maryland, and I have mentored nearly 90 graduate students through their final degree research projects. I have also organized study-abroad experiences for students in New Zealand. Over the years, I have taken on various leadership roles, including serving as a department chair at the university for eight years and working as a program coordinator since 2013. I am also especially proud to have founded the FSU Center for Advancement of Natural and Outdoor Experiences (CANOE) program, which facilitates student access to outdoor equipment, resources, and outdoor recreation activities.

What is your favorite thing about working at Frostburg State University?

My favorite aspect of working at Frostburg State University is the opportunity to work with students every day, as they continuously inspire and motivate me, and to be part of a dedicated community of faculty and staff committed to student success.

Is there a faculty and/or staff member that you consider a mentor? If so, who and why?

Dr. Diane Blankenship, a retired FSU faculty member, has been an important mentor to me because we collaborated on multiple projects, attended and presented at conferences together, and recently, worked alongside another colleague to revise a research textbook that she originally wrote and first published in 2009, all of which provided meaningful opportunities for me to learn from her experience.

What advice would you give to current students?

I would advise students to stay curious, get involved and take advantage of opportunities, even if they feel outside of their comfort zone, because stepping away from home and embracing new experiences, as I did when I left Romania for my education, can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth.