The newest member of Troy’s Board of Education may have big shoes to fill, but if he is anything like described, he will fit right in.

“His ties to the community, the fact he cares about the community, the fact he’s honest, forthright and has a real concern for the children of this community — those are some of the reasons why I nominated him,” said Troy City Councilman Jason Reeves, who serves as head of the education committee. “He believes in public service and believes in giving his time.”

Wally Lowery is the newest appointee to the Troy Board of Education and will fill the void left by Ron Pierce, who has served for the last 10 years.

Lowery, who grew up in the Troy City Schools system, said ever since his oldest child Noah started going to school, he has been interested in working with schools.

“I approached Jason many years ago when Noah started kindergarten, and I saw how much he loved elementary school,” Lowery said. “I became involved in the PTO and told Jason once an opportunity opens, I would love to serve on the board of education.”

And now, four years later, Lowery is weeks away from his first meeting as a member of the Troy Board of Education.

“I’m excited,” Lowery said. “I thank Jason Reeves for giving me the opportunity. It’s a great school system.”

Lowery is the assistant director for the education and planning division for the Administrative Office of Courts in Alabama, where he works to provide continuing education for the Alabama Judicial College.

Lowery said in his time on the board, he hopes to continue to bring the city school’s Strategic Plan to a close.

“I know the steps the superintendent put out to accomplish by 2013,” Lowery said. “I’d like to come in mid-way and pick up where it’s left off.”

Another area of education close to Lowery’s heart is eliminating the high school dropout rate all together.

“I’d like to see the high school dropout rate come to zero,” Lowery said. “There are ways to motivate people.”

Lowery has two children, Noah, 9, and Blake, 2. He is married to Holly Lowery, who is employed by Troy University.