N.C. A&T New Faculty Member Bowen Selected for Indigenous Leadership Academy

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 5, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has welcomed Kenneth L. Bowen, Ed.D., to the faculty of the College of Education (COEd) as assistant professor and coordinator for the master of school administration program (MSA) in the Department of Leadership Studies and Adult Education.

Additionally, Bowen has been selected to participate in the prestigious Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) Spring 2025 cohort. Arizona State University’s (ASU) American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI), in partnership with Tufts University, announced its seventh ILA cohort in January.

A member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Bowen is among 25 participants chosen from 62 applicants who represent 18 tribes from 11 states. Focused on education, the spring 2025 program runs from Jan. 4 to March 10.

Passionate about working with and for Indigenous communities, this cohort’s interests span numerous topics, including behavioral health, education, healthcare, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP), policy and technology. Past cohorts have focused on themes of imposter syndrome, sovereignty, the Supreme Court and Native Vote.

Launched in January 2022 with support from Arizona Public Service (APS), ILA has partnered with the National Center, the National Congress of American Indians, various schools at ASU, and esteemed professors to develop a compelling brand and curriculum that has successfully attracted emerging Indigenous and community leaders from across Arizona and the nation. As of October 2024, ILA has welcomed 133 participants representing 63 Tribal Nations from 28 states and Washington, D.C.

Bowen said he applied to the ILA because of its focus on advancing Indigenous leadership and empowering communities through innovative, culturally relevant strategies. “As a member of the Lumbee Tribe, I am passionate about creating equitable opportunities for Indigenous populations, particularly in education and leadership,” he said. “This program is an invaluable opportunity to deepen my knowledge, collaborate with like-minded leaders and bring new insights back to my work at A&T so that we may continue to foster meaningful progress for underserved communities.”

A first-generation college graduate, Bowen is a visionary leader whose career exemplifies the transformative power of education. His journey from humble beginnings in Laurinburg, North Carolina, to becoming a distinguished educator and advocate for equity underscores his deep commitment to uplifting individuals and communities, particularly within Native American and underserved populations.

In his new role, Bowen mentors future educational leaders, emphasizing innovation, cultural competency and community growth. He also serves as secretary on the Board of Directors for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) where he champions Indigenous representation in STEM fields and leads initiatives to inspire the next generation of leaders.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Bowen join the faculty in the College of Education,” said Paula Groves Price, Ph.D., COEd dean. “His unwavering belief in the power of education to inspire hope, transform lives and advance equity are consistent with our mission and commitment to advancing the human condition.  He continues to shape a future where all individuals — especially those from historically marginalized communities — are empowered to realize their full potential.”

Bowen said he was drawn to A&T because of its visionary commitment to producing high-achieving scholars who address global challenges through transformative learning and interdisciplinary research.

“A&T’s mission and vision provide a foundation for preparing leaders who excel in their roles and contribute to economic growth and social mobility,” he said. “The opportunity to contribute to such a mission resonates deeply with my desire to empower educators, promote equity and develop innovative leadership solutions.”

He also noted that A&T’s commitment to serving underrepresented communities and its collaborative academic environment give him a unique chance to actively help shape tomorrow’s transformative leaders.

“I’m excited for this incredible opportunity to collaborate with a diverse community of scholars, practitioners and aspiring administrators,” he said. “I’m even more committed to advancing the field of school leadership through innovation, inclusivity and evidence-based practices.”

Bowen’s goals for the MSA program reflect that dedication and aim to create a transformative, inclusive and innovative experience for aspiring school leaders. Uniquely positioned to address the evolving needs of the education sector, he said this program can be a model for preparing leaders who are administrators and advocates for systemic change.

Bowen’s academic achievements reflect his dedication to lifelong learning and leadership. He holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from East Carolina University where his dissertation focused on fostering growth among at-risk students affiliated with street gangs. He also earned an M.S.A. and B.A. in history with a specialization in secondary social studies education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he was honored as Young Alumnus of the Year in 2012.

Bowen also holds advanced certifications that equip him to address the multifaceted challenges in education and leadership, including Leadership and Communication from Harvard University, Cybersecurity from Richmond Community College, Mental Health in the Workplace from Walden University, Online Learning from Duke University and Advanced Placement U.S. History from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Bowen’s career spans academia, nonprofit leadership and corporate consulting, where he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive student achievement, secure significant grants and develop innovative programs like a Marine Science Academy. He has served on influential boards and committees such as the South Carolina Department of Education International Teacher Advisory Board and the U.S. Department of Education’s Rule Negotiating Committee for the Every Student Succeeds Act.

As a scholar and speaker, Bowen is widely recognized for his expertise in culturally responsive leadership, Indigenous empowerment, school finance and education’s role in community well-being. His contributions to publications, as well as his engaging presentations, have earned him accolades such as inclusion on East Carolina University’s 40 Under 40 Leadership list and widespread respect across the educational landscape.