Emma Frances Lowe: Leading by example, one lesson at a time

By Tracy Turner

WOOSTER, Ohio — Emma Frances Lowe, a graduating student at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has made the most of every opportunity at Ohio State ATI on the CFAES Wooster campus. From campus leadership to statewide agricultural advocacy, Lowe’s journey has been marked by a commitment to service, education, and community. She graduated May 3 with an associate degree in agriscience education.

A second-generation Buckeye from Southern Ohio, Lowe has been named to the dean’s list every semester she’s attended ATI. She is a recipient of multiple CFAES and university scholarships, including the Glenn & Janet Wenz Director’s Scholarship, the Agricultural Technical Institute Scholarship, and a scholarship to attend the Agriculture Future of America Conference.

“Emma’s leadership and personal growth throughout her time at ATI have been nothing short of impressive,” said Forrest Lang, senior lecturer in the CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. “She embodies the values of our college through her commitment to education, her community, and her peers.”

Lowe has held several impactful roles on campus and beyond, including student jobs in the research greenhouses. She has also served as a resident advisor, a peer tutor, and a summer orientation leader. In each role, she applied lessons from the classroom to real-world experiences — whether teaching incoming students, guiding peers, or setting up irrigation systems for plant research.

“I came from a poor school district, so I understand the power of education to change lives. That’s what drives me — helping students see their potential, just like Ohio State ATI helped me see mine”Emma Frances Lowe

She also took her passion for agricultural education statewide. After being selected to serve on the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board, she was elected vice president for the 2025 fair season. In January, she led a presentation at the Ohio Fair Managers Convention, hoping to inspire new applicants and to share the importance of agricultural literacy.

“Emma has a true calling for teaching,” said Rachael A. Ramsier, senior lecturer and CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership program coordinator at ATI. “Her ability to connect with others, especially students, is a gift. She’s a role model who genuinely cares and goes above and beyond in everything she does.”

Lowe’s involvement spans student organizations including Hoof N Hide, the Agricultural Communicators, Educators, & Leaders of Tomorrow (ACELT), and the Agricultural Systems Management Club. She currently serves as treasurer of ACELT, fostering collaboration and support among its members, and has helped plan events such as the Night for Young Professionals and food drives for the Wooster community.

Her selection to the 2024 Ohio State Homecoming Court as a representative for CFAES Wooster was a highlight of her college experience. Crowned as one of two Royal Buckeyes, Lowe said the honor reflected her growth as a student and leader.

Looking ahead, Lowe will continue her education on the CFAES Columbus campus to complete her bachelor’s degree in agriscience education. After earning her degree, she plans to begin her teaching career in southern Ohio, ideally through a career-technical satellite program. She’s also open to roles in Extension or conservation, with the shared goal of inspiring the next generation through agricultural education.

“I came from a poor school district, so I understand the power of education to change lives,” Lowe said. “That’s what drives me — helping students see their potential, just like Ohio State ATI helped me see mine.”

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Emma Frances Lowe: Leading by example, one lesson at a time

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