ACTE Announces Michigan Provost & Vice President of Academics, at Lake Michigan College as National

 
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has announced Dr. Kenneth Flowers, Provost & Vice President of Academics at Lake Michigan College (LMC), as the 2025 ACTE Region I Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical professionals at the postsecondary level who have instructed and educated students involved in career and technical education pathways, demonstrated innovation in the classroom, and exhibited dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.  
 
Dr. Kenneth W. Flowers has been the Provost and Vice President of Academics at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan, since August 2022. In this role, he oversees all academic divisions, including Career and Workforce Education, Health Sciences, and Arts and Sciences. His leadership has been crucial in launching several innovative CTE programs, including Marine Maintenance, Police Academy, esports, Mechatronics, and Digital Marketing. 
 
Dr. Flowers' strategic partnerships have significantly enhanced technical training and pre-apprenticeship programs, collaborating with regional chambers of commerce to foster a robust talent supply chain for local employers. In 2021, he was invited to join the Michigan Apprenticeship Advisory Board, where he continues to serve. 
 
"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Flowers for receiving this well-deserved recognition from the Association for Career and Technical Education," said Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, President of Lake Michigan College. "His unwavering commitment to innovation, student success, and workforce development has not only elevated Lake Michigan College but has also had a lasting impact on our entire community. Dr. Flowers exemplifies the leadership and dedication that drive our college's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for the careers of tomorrow. This award is a testament to his passion and the positive difference he makes every day."
 
Before his current role, Dr. Flowers served as the Dean of Career and Workforce Education at LMC from 2014 to 2022. During this time, he managed career education facilities and oversaw substantial grants, including the college's annual Perkins grant allocation of approximately $350,000 and a $1.2 million Department of Labor grant. His initiatives included developing a Pre-Apprenticeship Summer Academy and launching a Leadership Accelerator program, both of which enhanced opportunities for under-represented populations and fostered local leadership. 
 
Previously, he led the LMC Advanced Manufacturing program and served as Faculty and Department Chair of the Technology Department. In these roles, he established a Manufacturing Academy and expanded the apprenticeship program, significantly improving student retention and job placement rates. Dr. Flowers' commitment to excellence in CTE has earned him numerous awards, underscoring his significant impact on student success and workforce development. 
 
Flowers is one of five finalists for the 2025 national title.