Wednesday, April 16, 2014

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Longtime radio play-by-play voice of the Central Washington University football and basketball teams, Robert Lowery is being added to the athletic department’s communications staff as director of public and media relations. He will assume his new responsibilities on May 1.

“We are extremely excited to add a person to our staff that has the institutional memory and recognition in the community and region that Rob has gained over his long career at CWU and his affiliation with Wildcat Athletics,” said Dennis Francois, CWU athletic director. “Rob possesses a plethora of skills that will assist us in furthering the CWU Athletics brand and we are happy he has accepted our offer to join the Wildcat family on a more official basis.”  

For the last seven years, Lowery has served as CWU’s director of publications and, most recently, director of content development, where he’s overseen Central Connections magazine and other periodicals and publications, developed and distributed news releases, and pitched news stories to local, regional and national print and electronic news outlets. He’s also written feature stories for the university's homepage, and served as editor for university marketing, public relations, and government relations.

In addition, he’s been the host of Wildcat Lair, a weekly, half-hour program focusing on CWU sports. It’s broadcast live Monday’s at 12:30 p.m., during the academic year, on KXLE 1240-AM. It’s also shown on KCWU TV Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m., and posted to the university’s YouTube channel.

“I’m excited about this new opportunity,” Lowery said. “I’ve been around the Central athletics for quite awhile. I’ve even called games involving some of our coaches when they were student-athletes here. I’ve come to know and respect them all—and their players, too—and I look forward to doing what I can to help further spread the word about the excellence of Wildcat sports.”

Lowery was first hired by the university in 1994 as a part-time news writer, moving up to become the university’s media relations officer in 1997. Next year will be his 28th season as the radio “Voice of the Wildcats.” Since 1992, he has also served as emcee of the CWU Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, along with creating and developing materials associated with the event.

During his career, he has served as the announcer for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball playoffs, and was among the staff announcers at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

Lowery was named the university’s 2006 Employee of the Year, as well as earning employee of the month honors in 2006 and 2001. He also received the 2005-06 Presidential Award as Staff Member of the Year. 

Lowery and his wife, Sarah, live in Ellensburg. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.