Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education names Dr. Ken Flowers as Professional of the Year

Dr. Ken Flowers, Lake Michigan College's Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, has been named Postsecondary Professional of the Year by the Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education. 

Flowers will be honored during the Michigan Career Education Conference on Jan. 29 at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids for making significant contributions toward Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs while demonstrating a strong commitment toward CTE throughout Michigan. 

"I am truly honored and grateful to be named the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Professional of the Year," Flowers said. "This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team at LMC. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing career and technical education, empowering students, and preparing them for success in the ever-evolving workforce. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Michigan ACTE for this prestigious honor and look forward to furthering our mission of shaping the future workforce." 

Flowers, a St. Joseph resident, has a long history with LMC. He's a proud LMC graduate and former faculty member who served as LMC's Dean of Career and Workforce Education. In his current role, Flowers serves as the College's chief academic officer, providing administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for faculty affairs. 

After receiving an associate degree in General Studies and a certificate as a Journeyman Moldmaker from LMC in 1991, Flowers spent 14 years in manufacturing, primarily working at Hanson Mold in St. Joseph. 

He returned to LMC in 1997 as a Machining and Manufacturing Instructor. In 2006, after earning a master's degree in Career & Technical Education and a Total Quality Management in Education certificate from Ferris State University, Flowers was named Chair of LMC's Technology Department. He also served as the College's Apprenticeship Coordinator and Director of Workforce Training and Development before being named Dean of Career and Workforce Education in 2014. 

Flowers earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2015 from Western Michigan University and was named to his current position in January 2023. 

The Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education partners with all related agencies to provide a one-stop information-finding experience for teachers, administrators, students, parents, businesses, and industry. Michigan ACTE provides members an opportunity to access professional learning, recognizes exceptional practices through the awards process, and serves as an avenue for CTE stakeholders to come together to participate and contribute in a collective voice for the advancement of high-quality CTE programming. For more information, visit MIACTE.org. 

To learn more about Lake Michigan College, please visit lakemichigancollege.edu.