[1] Flynn received a bachelor's degree from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois and a master's in education from the University of Montana.
Flynn taught mathematics for one year at St Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida before joining Rutgers University as assistant dean of student services between 1965 and 1969.
In 1974, he joined Monroe Community College as vice president of student services, a post he held for 20 years.
[3] After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Flynn created the Homeland Security Management Institute, which helps businesses and government agencies prepare for emergencies.
[1] Flynn received the first President of the Year Award from the American Student Association of Community Colleges.