Rexanna Lowman moved to Valdese at the age of four when her father (Ned Pennell) became the head football coach at Valdese High School. Growing up in a family deeply invested in education and community, with a mother who taught at Valdese High, she developed a strong appreciation for the values of service and commitment to local schools.

Rexanna attended Valdese Elementary School, eventually graduating from East Burke High School. Eager to continue her education, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following graduation, she returned to Burke County to teach middle school social studies at Salem Jr. High, Valdese Jr. High, and later Heritage Middle School.

Committed to lifelong learning, Rexanna pursued advanced degrees, earning a Master of Arts from Western Carolina University and an Educational Specialist degree from Appalachian State University. Additionally, she completed a school administration supervision program at Gardner-Webb University.

Over her distinguished 35-year career in education, she served as principal of both Valdese Elementary School and East Burke High School. Rexanna also held the position of Director of Secondary Education and Career and Technical Education for Burke County Schools before retiring. Currently, she works part-time as a University Supervisor for Appalachian State University, guiding and mentoring future educators.

A devoted community member, Rexanna is actively involved in Valdese First Baptist Church, where she serves on the Deacon Board and volunteers for the clothing closet and as the prayer list coordinator. She is also a proud member of the Valdese Rotary Club and has contributed to various community organizations, including the scholarship committee of the Community Foundation of Burke County, the Western Piedmont Foundation Board, The Valdese Sports Hall of Fame Executive Committee, the Burke County Library Board, the Old Colony Players Board, and the Burke Women’s Fund.

Rexanna is a widow (the late Allen Lowman).  Her family consists of son AJ and daughter-in-law, Melody and son Zach.