PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources at University of Central Missouri

(January 16, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Dr. Jacquelyn Flowers, securing the role as Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources at the University of Central Missouri.

Dr. Jacquelyn Flowers is a dynamic higher education HR executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience and currently serves as Founder and CEO of EmpowHRed Impact, LLC, a human-centered HR consulting firm. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, as well as in senior HR leadership roles at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Flowers will serve a six-month role that comes at a pivotal moment as the university continues to strengthen institutional capacity and employee engagement. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and serving on the President’s Strategic Leadership Team, Dr. Flowers will oversee day-to-day HR operations and lead a talented human resources division focused on fostering a culture of excellence, compliance, and strategic talent management while advancing university-wide HR strategy in support of UCM’s mission and long-term vision. Known for aligning culture, work-life management, and organizational goals, Dr. Flowers brings a data-driven, collaborative approach and a proven ability to deliver strategic initiatives that make an immediate and lasting impact.

Founded in 1871, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) is a comprehensive, public university committed to academic excellence, affordability, and student success. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UCM offers more than 150 academic programs and maintains a strong reputation for high-quality, accessible education. The university continues to climb in national rankings, recently named among the Top 20 Public Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (2026). With two thriving campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, UCM serves a diverse student body and fosters a culture of engagement, innovation, and service that prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.