Staff Profile - Rose Rowe
In addition to animal control, Ms. Rowe's responsibilities include weed control and tending to the many flowers that grace ASU's campus. "I love the flowers. One of my favorite things about working here are the flowers. I love the roses the best," she says. Her love of flowers keeps her busy, but it's her love of animals that consumes the majority of her spare time. Ms. Rowe, known affectionately known as the "Critter Lady," takes care of all kinds of wildlife, much of which comes from ASU's campus. "I relocate animals; I don't kill anything," she says about the numerous animals that she has rescued. Ms. Rowe is a member of Happy Tails Rescue, a Columbia County animal rescue society. The society brings her feral cats that need to be tamed in order for the cats to be adopted. She says that it usually takes two months to tame feral cats. "In one year's time, I was able to tame and place 28 feral cats. None were put to sleep," says Ms. Rowe, who is also a member of the National Wildlife Association and the National Humane Society. The animal lover has two dogs, a one-eyed squirrel that she removed from campus, and two snakes. She recently took in a pit bull puppy and a boxer mix that was hit by a car. About a month ago, her family experienced the death of a beloved parakeet. "I have a real hard time accepting when I can't save them. I try hard to do what I can to help the animals," she says. Ms. Rowe's home has become a refuge for animals. She says that she relocates the squirrels, foxes, and raccoons to the wooded area near her home, which is about a mile away. "Fortunately, my husband is very understanding," she says about Rick Riffe, a brick mason who also works at ASU. The two have been together since September 1995 and just celebrated their 11th anniversary. "The man must have the patience of a saint to put up with me and all the animals I bring home," she says with a smile. The couple share five children and seven grandchildren. Name: Rose Rowe Position: Exterminator II How long at ASU: 10 years Family: Husband, Rick; five children, seven grandchildren What she likes most about ASU: "I like the people and the campus because it is beautiful." Little known facts: Ms. Rowe likes to do bead work. She also says that she's a shy person. "I don't like crowds of people. I'm really a private person."
December 2006 |
The old Arsenal buildings house more than faculty and staff at Augusta State. These buildings are also home to members of the animal kingdom. When these creatures become a problem, ASU calls on Rose Rowe, exterminator II in the Physical Plant. 
