Dr. Crowe grew up in Barron, Wisconsin, on a family ranch that raises American Quarter Horses and runs a cow/calf operation with a herd of 100 registered Simmentals, a breed of cattle whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Currently, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northwood Technical College, Dr. Crowe began her undergraduate studies at UW-River Falls earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Determined to pursue her academic goals, Dr. Crowe drove 150 miles roundtrip to attend classes. Overcoming financial challenges to attend college was a struggle she shared with other farm kids. Dr. Crowe continued her academic achievements, by earning a Master’s in Science in Agriculture Education from UW-River Falls and then a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Dr. Crowe believes that higher education is achievable for anyone. “Find out what you’re interested in and use local resources to pursue your goals,” advises Dr. Crowe. “There are many resources available and support for attaining a degree.” Dr. Crowe advocates that technical colleges are great places to start academic and career paths.

To broaden its reach, WROF, Inc. reached out to Dr. Crowe to expand its scholarships to include students from technical colleges. A strong believer in both the WROF, Inc. and technical college missions, Dr. Crowe hopes for the WROF, Inc. to continue providing opportunities for rural students to gain access to higher education.

In her second career, Dr. Crowe is the fourth generation to run her family’s 300-acre ranch together with her parents, brother, and sister. She also enjoys working with and showing her Quarter Horses.

Thank you, Dr. Crowe, for joining the WROF, Inc.'s Board of Directors in its mission to invest in rural Wisconsin's valuable resources, its rural residents, and to sustain rural Wisconsin's vitality.