Lake Michigan College today announced that Dr. Ken Flowers, Executive Vice President at LMC, has been selected for the 2025-26 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Flowers is one of 40 leaders nationwide to receive the fellowship that aims to cultivate the next generation of community college presidents.
According to a statement from LMC, Dr. Flowers was chosen from a group of more than 120 applicants to participate in an intensive 10-month program. The fellowship focuses on leadership strategies that drive transformative change, emphasizing increased student success and equitable outcomes. Fellows engage in rigorous learning, collaborate with accomplished leaders, and apply research-based approaches tailored to their institutions’ unique needs.
“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 confident he will continue to make a lasting impact on our students, our institution, and the broader community college landscape.”
Dr. Flowers is an alumnus of the college, transitioning to education in 1999 after 14 years in the manufacturing industry. He began as a Machining and Manufacturing Instructor and steadily climbed the ranks, holding positions such as Department Chair, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Director of Workforce Training and Development, Dean of Career and Workforce Education, and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs before assuming his current role as Executive Vice President.
Dr. Flowers holds multiple degrees, including an associate degree from LMC, a bachelor’s from Siena Heights University, a master’s from Ferris State University, and a doctorate from Western Michigan University.
The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is a key initiative of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, which strives to bolster higher education leadership to improve student outcomes and foster economic mobility.
According to Aspen’s website, 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.
