Douglas Lowery was born on June 19, 1958, at the Old White Cross Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to proud parents, Aaron and Gladys Lowery. He was raised in the tight-knit community of Georgian Heights on Atlanta Drive, where his early years were shaped by involvement in Eagle Scout Troop 410 (1973), Westgate Hawks Football traveling team (1970 – 1976), and the supportive environment of the Glenwood United Methodist Youth Group (1970 – 1976) and Church.
Doug attended Georgian Heights Elementary, Wedgewood Junior High, and graduated from West High School where he distinguished himself as a student leader and athlete – captaining the Cross Country team, running track, and serving as both Junior Class President and Senior Class President of the Bicentennial Class of 1976.
After high school, he enrolled at Ohio Dominican College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in just three years (1979). His teaching career began in 1979 at St. Stevens the Martyr School on Clime Road. This was followed by a move to Madison Plains, where he taught, coached football, and began his journey in educational leadership. He earned his Principal Certificate and started as an Assistant Principal at Madison Plains Middle School and remained there for several years. He continued his education by receiving his Master’s Degree from the University of Dayton in 1982, followed by his PhD in 2014 from Atlantic University.
Dr. Lowery went on to serve as an Assistant Principal with the Hilliard City School District, dedicating 24 impactful years to the district. His leadership was widely recognized, earning him numerous honors including Ohio Principal of the Year in 2003, National Principal of the Year in 2004, and being named Best Principal in the Nation by Reader’s Digest, USA Today, and The New York Times in 2005.
In 2003, Doug took on the role of Superintendent at the Ohio School for the Deaf. In the course of over five years, he helped transform the institution into one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Fulfilling a long-held dream, Dr. Lowery returned to the district that gave him his start. For the past five years, he has proudly served as the Principal of Columbus International High School, continuing his lifelong mission to empower students through education.
Dr. Lowery credits his success to the foundational values of hard work, faith, and strong family instilled in him by his parents. He is the proud brother of Diane Lowery Offenberger, Class of 1979. He is married to Kathy Van Fossen, and together they have two children, Ellie and Ean Lowery, of whom they are immensely proud.
Diane Lowery Offenberger (sister), Class of 1979, nominated Doug.
