Elect Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen for Lumbee Tribal Council District 12
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen
Candidate for Lumbee Tribal Council – District 12 | Proud Lumbee | Proven Leader | Champion for Our People
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen, a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe, is a distinguished educator, strategist, and advocate with deep roots in Scotland County—home to Lumbee Tribal District 12. Born and raised in the Hasty and Johns communities, Kenneth has dedicated his life to serving others, and now he’s ready to serve you on the Lumbee Tribal Council.
With a career grounded in leadership, community empowerment, and cultural pride, Dr. Bowen brings the experience, heart, and vision needed to move District 12 forward. His campaign is built on a simple but powerful belief: our people deserve more—more opportunity, more advocacy, and more unity.
Rooted in Scotland County: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
For Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen, his story is deeply intertwined with the soil of District 12—Scotland County, a land where generations of Lumbee and Native families have thrived, persevered, and championed their identity. Raised in the Hasty and Johns communities, Dr. Bowen learned the value of hard work, faith, and family at an early age. He grew up surrounded by strong role models who believed in giving back, standing proud in their identity, and lifting others as they climbed.
Kenneth’s roots run even deeper than his upbringing—they stretch back to the very foundations of Native education in Scotland County. He is a descendant of two of the founders of the historic Oak Grove Indian School, which operated from 1886 to 1969. The only Indian school in Scotland County, Oak Grove, was founded on the determination of the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association and Lumbee community members, who recognized the transformative power of education. It was a school led by Native Americans, for Native Americans, at a time when opportunities for Indigenous children were scarce and discrimination was widespread. This very school provided an education for the vast majority of Kenneth’s family, a legacy that includes his mother, Irene Locklear Bowen.
For over a century, Oak Grove served as more than just a school—it was a cultural cornerstone, a community center, and a sanctuary of hope. It produced generations of proud, educated Lumbee people who would go on to lead in churches, classrooms, homes, and council chambers. Today, that same spirit lives on in Dr. Bowen’s work and in his deep sense of responsibility to preserve and carry forward the legacy of those who came before him.
Currently, Dr. Bowen is leading efforts to document and honor the history of Oak Grove through the Oak Grove American Indian School History Project. His research, which he plans to publish in an upcoming book, is a labor of love—meant to preserve this important story for future generations and ensure that the sacrifices and achievements of the Oak Grove community are never forgotten.
As he walks in the footsteps of his ancestors, Kenneth remains deeply rooted to the land and people of District 12. His life and leadership stand as a testament: our heritage is our strength, and honoring our past empowers us to boldly shape the future.
Committed to Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen is a proud first-generation college graduate whose educational journey began at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP)—an institution originally established to educate the Lumbee people. There, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Secondary Social Studies Education, laying the foundation for a lifelong mission to empower others through education.
Driven by a deep passion for educational leadership, Dr. Bowen went on to earn a Master of School Administration from UNCP, followed by a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University (ECU). His doctoral research focused on supporting academic growth among at-risk student populations, reflecting his commitment to equity and opportunity for all learners.
Dedicated to continuous growth, Dr. Bowen has completed advanced leadership and certification programs at some of the nation’s most respected institutions, including Harvard University, Arizona State University, Duke University, and Walden University. His wide-ranging credentials demonstrate a holistic understanding of education, leadership, health, technology, and Indigenous advocacy.
His commitment to excellence has been recognized through prestigious honors, including being named to East Carolina University’s “40 Under 40” and receiving the Young Alumnus of the Year Award from UNCP.
Education
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
East Carolina University | 2010–2015Master of School Administration
University of North Carolina at Pembroke | 2005–2007Bachelor of Arts in History with Social Studies Licensure
University of North Carolina at Pembroke | 1999–2002
Professional Certificates
Indigenous Leadership Academy
Arizona State University | 2025Indigenous Health Cultural Awareness Training
Arizona State University | 2025Cybersecurity
Richmond Community College | 2024
(Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security)Leadership and Communication
Harvard University | 2024Mental Health in the Workplace: Creating a Caring Culture
Walden University | 2023Online Learning
Duke University | 2021Aspiring Superintendents Academy®
AASA, The School Superintendents Association | 2019–2020Advanced Placement (AP) United States History
University of North Carolina at Charlotte | 2003
Proven Leadership Across Education, Business, and Community Sectors
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen brings a wealth of leadership experience across education, government, business, and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Master of School Administration (MSA) Program Coordinator at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he prepares the next generation of school leaders through a forward-thinking lens of leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Dr. Bowen’s professional journey includes roles as a K–12 teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and vice president of a nonprofit organization dedicated to school transformation. His leadership has been instrumental in securing millions of dollars in grant funding to launch academic and community-based programs that have empowered underserved students and revitalized schools.
Beyond his distinguished career in education, Dr. Bowen brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned business leader and the founder of Bowen & Associates. This multifaceted expertise extends from guiding future leaders through mentorship to his hands-on stewardship of the land at Blooming Acres.
He has held cabinet-level roles in both public school districts and the private sector, bringing expertise in finance, law, operations, strategic planning, continuous improvement, and governance. This broad experience equips him with a deep and practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Lumbee community today.
Dr. Bowen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, accountability, growth, and results.
Champion for Indigenous Representation and Empowerment
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen has spent more than two decades as a steadfast advocate for Indigenous youth, families, and communities. A proud Lumbee and lifelong champion for Native representation, he has built a legacy of leadership rooted in cultural pride, educational equity, and community empowerment.
Dr. Bowen serves on the Board of Directors for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)—a nationally recognized nonprofit with over 7,000 members representing 500+ tribes across North America. As Secretary of the Board, Chair of the PK-12 Education Committee, Vice Chair of the Professional Development Committee, and Co-Chair of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence, he is at the forefront of expanding access to STEM education and career pathways for Native students and professionals. Under his leadership, AISES has awarded over $1 million in scholarships and supports over 200 chapters and 40+ programs annually.
In recognition of his ongoing impact, Dr. Bowen was selected for the 2025 Indigenous Leadership Academy at Arizona State University—a premier program designed to cultivate the next generation of visionary Native leaders committed to creating systemic change in their communities.
Dr. Bowen’s advocacy extends into the policy and education sectors, where he has served on the North Carolina District 5 Safer Schools Task Force and the South Carolina Department of Education’s International Teacher Advisory Board. These roles reflect his commitment to both immediate safety and long-term opportunity for youth and educators.
A published author and respected speaker, Dr. Bowen has contributed to works like Colonization Continued: The Disproportionate Punishment of American Indian Students in K-12 Schools and regularly presents on topics such as Native wellness, culturally grounded leadership, and equity in STEM. His recent presentations include national conferences, university events, and community forums that honor the intersections of heritage, health, education, leadership, and innovation.
Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or council chambers, Dr. Bowen leads with purpose, always guided by the belief that the future of the Lumbee people must be built by Lumbee voices—grounded in who we are, and boldly facing where we’re going.
A Vision for District 12
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen
Candidate for Lumbee Tribal Council – District 12 (Scotland County)
Proud Lumbee | Proven Leader | Champion for Our People
Rooted in Tradition. Driven by Purpose. Leading for Our People
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen envisions a vibrant future for District 12—one where the Lumbee people of Scotland County thrive through expanded educational access, sustainable economic growth, and the intentional preservation of our rich cultural heritage. Grounded in his deep roots and guided by decades of leadership experience, Dr. Bowen is uniquely equipped to listen, lead, and lift up the voices of our community.
Whether helping a student apply to college, mentoring emerging leaders, assisting elders in obtaining services, volunteering at school and cultural events, or leading initiatives that celebrate who we are, Dr. Bowen always shows up – for our youth, for our elders, for our future. Now, he’s ready to show up for you on the Lumbee Tribal Council.
As your District 12 Representative, Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen will:
📚 Advocate fiercely for educational access and academic excellence for our youth
💼 Promote economic development and workforce readiness to support Lumbee families
❤️🩹 Champion health and wellness initiatives that uplift every generation
🪶 Preserve and promote Lumbee culture, heritage, and identity
🏛️ Ensure tribal governance that is transparent, accountable, and accessible
🌍 Elevate the Lumbee Tribe on state, national, and international platforms
With a legacy of integrity, a wealth of experience, and a heart for service, Dr. Bowen is committed to leading District 12 with honor, passion, and purpose.
Elect Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen for Lumbee Tribal Council – District 12
Rooted in Tradition. Driven by Purpose. Leading for Our People.
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen
Connect with me: Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen | Linktree
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkennethlbowen/
Email: drklbowen@gmail.com
Tel: 910-280-4409
A Letter from Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen
Dear Friends and Family of District 12,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Lumbee Tribal Council representing District 12.
My journey began right here in Scotland County, where I was raised with the values of hard work, community service, and cultural pride. As a descendant of the founders of Oak Grove Indian School, I carry forward a legacy of dedication to education and the advancement of our people.
As a first-generation college graduate, I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. My professional path has led me to roles as a K–12 educator, principal, assistant superintendent, and now as an Assistant Professor and MSA Program Coordinator at North Carolina A&T State University. Through these experiences, I've worked to empower students, support educators, and strengthen communities.
Beyond education, I founded Bowen & Associates, a consulting firm dedicated to strategic planning, leadership development, and community engagement. This work has allowed me to collaborate with schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals to create meaningful change.
If elected to the Lumbee Tribal Council, I pledge to:
Advocate for educational access and advancement for our youth.
Promote economic development and job readiness for our families.
Champion health and wellness initiatives that serve all generations.
Preserve and promote Lumbee culture, heritage, and identity.
Ensure transparency, accountability, and accessibility in tribal governance.
Promote the Lumbee Tribe both nationally and internationally.
I am committed to serving with integrity, experience, and a servant’s heart. Together, we can build a future that honors our traditions and embraces the opportunities ahead.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election. Let's work together to make a lasting impact for District 12 and the Lumbee Tribe.
With gratitude and determination,
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen
Candidate for Lumbee Tribal Council – District 12
Rooted in Tradition. Driven by Purpose. Leading for Our People.
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen
for Lumbee Tribal Council District 12
Connect with me: Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen | Linktree
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkennethlbowen/
Instagram: @DrBowen4Lumbee12
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.bowen.2025/
Facebook Group: Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen for Lumbee Tribal Council District 12
Email: drklbowen@gmail.com
Tel: 910-280-4409
Support Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen for Lumbee Tribal Council – District 12
Your support can help shape a brighter future for our community!
There are many ways you can help move our campaign forward:
Ways to Contribute Financially:
📬 Mail – Send contributions to:
Dr. Kenneth L. Bowen Campaign
14400 Pea Bridge Road
Laurinburg, NC 28352
💵 CashApp – $DrKennethBowen
📲 Venmo – @DrKLBowen
💻 PayPal – PayPal.me/DrKLBowen
Other Ways to Support the Campaign:
✅ Offer a Recommendation or Endorsement – Your voice matters. Share your support publicly!
🏡 Request a Yard Sign – Show your support at home, at work, or in your neighborhood.
👕 Purchase a Campaign T-Shirt – Wear your pride and help spread the word.
Every donation, endorsement, and act of support—large or small—makes a difference. Together, we can honor our past, strengthen our present, and lead our people into a thriving future.
Thank you for standing with us!
Rooted in Tradition. Driven by Purpose. Leading for Our People.
