Ken Flowers of Lake Michigan College Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

Benton Harbor, MI — The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) recently announced that Dr. Ken Flowers, Executive Vice President at Lake Michigan College, is one of 40 exceptional leaders selected for the 2025-26 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Chosen from more than 120 applicants nationwide, Dr. Flowers joins a distinguished cohort of future college presidents who are dedicated to advancing student success and equity in higher education. 

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship prepares the next generation of community college presidents to lead transformative change by focusing on strategies that increase student success and equity in outcomes. Fellows will engage in a 10-month program that includes intensive learning, collaboration with accomplished leaders in the field, and research application tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of their own colleges. 

“Dr. Flowers is an inspiring leader whose personal journey, professional achievements, and deep commitment to student success reflect the mission and values of Lake Michigan College,” said Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, President of Lake Michigan College. “We are proud of his selection to this prestigious fellowship and confident he will continue to make a lasting impact on our students, our institution, and the broader community college landscape.” 

Dr. Flowers began his career in manufacturing, spending 14 years in the mold-making industry before transitioning to education in 1999. An LMC alumnus, he joined the College as a Machining and Manufacturing Instructor and steadily advanced through several leadership positions. These included Department Chair, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Director of Workforce Training and Development, Dean of Career and Workforce Education, and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.  

Dr. Flowers holds an associate degree and Journeyman Moldmaker certificate from Lake Michigan College, a Bachelor of Applied Science from Siena Heights University, a master’s degree in Career & Technical Education from Ferris State University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. 

A staunch advocate for career and technical education, Dr. Flowers was named Postsecondary Professional of the Year in 2024 by both the Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education and the Association for Career and Technical Education Region I. He was also honored with the Patriot Award in 2025 by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. 

About Lake Michigan College 

Lake Michigan College is a two-year, accredited, nonprofit community college with its main campus in Benton Harbor, and additional instructional sites in Allegan, Niles and South Haven, Michigan.   

LMC serves as a cultural center, a regional economic partner, and a leader in innovation. It features the largest conference and performance center in the region and The Fab Lab, which is a high-tech, hands-on makerspace where creativity meets cutting-edge tools, empowering students and the community to design, prototype, and innovate.  

Established in 1946 as Benton Harbor Junior College, LMC is also the region’s leader in high quality, affordable higher education, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in more than 80 fields of study, including business, health sciences, manufacturing, wine and viticulture, culinary, and more.  LMC offers national-title-winning intercollegiate athletic teams, on-campus housing, and a wealth of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to create an authentic college experience close to home. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu. 

About the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program 
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. Learn more at www.aspeninstitute.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X. 

About the Aspen Institute 
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.