Dr. Paula Dowd comes to FSI with a wealth of knowledge and experiences in special education and school administration. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Indiana State University, Master’s Degree from Indiana University, her Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University and Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Dowd has practical classroom experience working with students with disabilities at all levels and a strong background in the administration of exceptional children programs and curriculum.
Dr. Dowd also is part of the Graduate Teaching Faculty at East Carolina University and teaches virtual undergraduate and graduate courses in the College of Education, Department of Special Education, Foundations and Research. She is an active member of the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) and The Council of Administrators for Special Education (CASE).
As an administrator she strives to support teachers so they have the tools they need for positive impacts on their students and pushing students to work to their full potential and prepare for their future beyond high school. Dr. Dowd serves as a mentor to teachers and colleagues to help ensure a strong community in the field of special education that builds positive foundations for working with students with disabilities.
When Dr. Dowd is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter and their pets. She has always loved the ocean and spending time walking the beach and listening to the tide. Since their relocation to Asheville she takes great pleasure with the beauty and nature of Western NC. Dr. Dowd loves to travel and explore new places, spend time relaxing, and just enjoying life with her family and friends.
