Texas Tech University

Courtney Lowe Alumni Profile

NS program provided the necessary skills needed for a successful career as an extension agent

Nutritional Sciences Dietetics alumni extension agent careerTexas Tech University College of Human Sciences alumna, Courtney Lowe, MS, RDN, LD graduated in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics and a master's degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2015. Since completing her educational career Courtney has become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Licensed Dietitian.

Currently, Courtney is the Health Extension Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She delivers adult education programs related to food and nutrition to community members of Castro, Hale, and Lamb counties. In addition to her job with Texas A&M, Courtney also teaches a diabetics course focused on educating individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The course titled, "Do Well, Be Well," focuses on teaching skills that these individuals need to know in order to understand and manage their diabetes.

"The most enjoyable part of my job is working with members of the community," Courtney said. "It makes me happy that my job allows me to provide people with information they can use to make lifestyle changes that can result in longer, healthier lives."

The Nutritional Sciences program at Texas Tech is among one of the best in the nation. The program offers rigorous coursework that allows students to grow as learners and launch their careers in the nutrition and dietetics field.

"The entire program is excellent," Courtney said. "The instructors are top notch. They are all very knowledgeable in their specific nutrition-related courses. Without such dedicated and knowledgeable instructors, the program would not be what it is."

Courtney has always stayed true to her West Texas roots. Being a second-generation Red Raider, Courtney says that she doesn't forget where she came from.

"Texas Tech University has always been special to me," Courtney said. "When it came time to choose a degree plan, I honestly wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. I had seen various Registered Dietitians on the local news, and I was intrigued. In researching dietitians, I found the Nutritional Sciences program at Texas Tech and knew it was meant to be! I registered for classes and never looked back."

During her time at Texas Tech Courtney had the opportunity to participate in the Dietetic Internship Program. The Dietetic Internship is a 15-month program that allows students to gain the experience they need in order to become an entry-level dietitian. Upon completion of the internship, graduates are eligible to take a national examination to become a RD/RDN.

The Nutritional Sciences program at Texas Tech prepares students with the foundation they need to become a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN). Courtney credits the Texas Tech Dietetic Internship program with serving as the stepping stone she needed to get started with her career.

"The TTU Nutritional Sciences coursework is demanding but rewarding," Courtney said. "The coursework has given me a great knowledge base that I carried into my Dietetic Internship and my career as a dietitian. The Texas Tech Dietetic Internship gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge through hands-on practice with various dietitians in Lubbock and the surrounding area."