Writing might begin once someone first puts pen to paper, but the art form extends much further. Just ask Beverly Lowry, writer-in-residence with the University of Houston-Victoria.   

 “To explore writing is to explore reading,” she said. “It’s to explore how thinking gets done, and it teaches you about organization and language and how to communicate with other people. There are so many skills involved in reading and writing.”  

And through her work with the university’s new creative writing program, she’s working to spread those skill sets throughout the UHV community.  

Lowry joined UHV in late August, teaching courses and working to expand the School of Arts & Sciences’ programs. A writer since childhood, she enjoys playing a role in offering a new educational and creative outlet to students.  

“UHV is evolving, growing and in a position to do some new things,” she said, noting the English Department has several projects in the works. “It’s fun to be at a place that’s really looking to the future for new ideas.”  

Lowry was born in Memphis and raised in Greenville, Miss. She attended the University of Mississippi and earned a bachelor’s degree in theater and English from Memphis State University.   

She served as president of the Texas Institute of Letters and as director of George Mason University’s creative nonfiction program.  

Although she’s lived all over, the Texas transplant now calls Austin home.  

Lowry’s works include six novels, three nonfiction books and many nonfiction feature pieces for various magazines and newspapers. She has received recognition from the Texas Institute of Letters and the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters. In 1983, she also received a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship.  

As for any favorite writings? That’s easy.  

“My favorite project is usually whatever I’m working on now,” she said. “It’s exciting, and you’re in it. If you weren’t energized by what you were doing, you’d probably walk away.”  

Lowry’s most recent undertaking is a nonfiction book about a 1991 multiple murder, which took place in an Austin frozen yogurt shop. The case remains unsolved.  

“It’s quite something to have leapt into,” she said of her recently completed work. “It’s engaging and difficult, and I love what I get to do.”  

Looking forward, Lowry said she’s excited to continue on with UHV. Developing new programs doesn’t happen overnight, but the work is worth it in the end.  

“These things take time,” she said. “They take cooperation from many different parts – the academic faculty, the administration and everyone. But it’s great being in on a new beginning, and I’m happy to be here.”  

The Faculty Feature is an online feature highlighting faculty members from each of the University of Houston-Victoria’s four schools. To nominate a faculty member, contact Paula Cobler, UHV interim director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.