FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Michigan Provost & Vice President of Academics, at Lake Michigan College as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Dr. Kenneth Flowers, Provost & Vice President of Academics, at Lake Michigan College 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, E-Sports, Culinary Medicine, Exercise Science, 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.
Before his current role, Dr. Flowers served as the Dean of Career and Workforce Education 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 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. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
