AYS Alumni Council Spotlight: Jim Flowers

ATLANTA — Jim Flowers’ (Ph.D. ’16) journey from a small-town upbringing to shaping statewide public policy is a testament to the power of lifelong learning. His path led to the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, which opened roles in government and education, ultimately bringing him back to serve the institution that helped mold his career.

Flowers’ passion for politics and public service began early, with his involvement in political campaigns since the age of 16. He graduated from Emory University with a double major in political science and physics.

His professional journey took him through roles as a coder, systems analyst and project manager in both startup and public companies. His expertise in technology and government operations led him to work on projects that automated criminal justice systems and child support enforcement. His team of engineers constructed and expanded networks including PeachNet, the statewide communications network supporting all University System of Georgia Information Technology Services efforts.

In 1999, Flowers was appointed special assistant for technology policy to Georgia’s Office of the Governor. This role allowed him to bridge his academic and policy interests with practical applications in governance. He drafted and advocated for legislation creating the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA). After the bill became law, he worked as deputy director of the GTA and then for the University System of Georgia in dual positions as assistant to the chief information officer and for the vice chancellor of government affairs.

While gaining valuable experience in these roles, Flowers recognized the importance of adding academic study to complement his professional journey. In 2007, he joined the external affairs team at Georgia State and started the joint Ph.D. in Public Policy program that Georgia State offers with the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“I credit Professor Greg Lewis, who taught me statistics in one of my first classes, for really helping me get back into the academic mindset,” he said.

The doctoral program not only satisfied Flowers’ intellectual curiosity, it positioned him for the next phase of his career in academia. Following his Ph.D., Flowers moved to Clayton State University where he served as an assistant to the president, managing projects that would mitigate risks, integrate faculty into IT governance and redirect funds to support student success.

Flowers recently retired from Clayton State. He remains engaged in his community, where his commitment to service extends to his children’s high school and the local Rotary Club. He also volunteers with a nonprofit foundation dedicated to preparing candidates for board positions in publicly traded companies.

This dedication to giving back led him to join the AYS Alumni Council.

“Joining the Alumni Council is taking that next step of having even more of an influence on students who are figuring out their career path,” he said. “I want to be a resource and mentor to anyone at the Andrew Young School that I can help support.”

For students at Georgia State, Flowers emphasized the importance of networking.

“Take advantage of your professors’ networks,” he said. “They’re invaluable resources for both knowledge and opportunities.”

Reflecting on his journey, Flowers sees his education at Georgia State as transformative.

“It’s given me the ability to find and pursue my potential,” he said.

His story serves as an inspiring reminder that with resilience and adaptability, one can make a significant impact both in their career and within their community.

Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Jim Flowers, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.

- By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Political Science)