4 Fleming Scholars join Appalachian’s newest students

By Tara Strickland

Posted Sep. 18, 2018 at 10:22 a.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Four incoming students began first year classes at Appalachian State University as 2018–19 Fleming Scholars. They are Bailey Gardin, of Gastonia; Hudson Miller, of Charlotte; Cece Ramseur, of West Jefferson; and Ashelyn Stevens, of Harrisburg.

Recipients of the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship demonstrate a desire to promote cultural diversity and are from populations that are underrepresented on campus. All scholars are awarded full in-state tuition and fees that are renewable if academic requirements are met.

The scholarship is named for Dr. Willie C. Fleming, Appalachian’s chief diversity officer. Fleming received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian — a B.S. in art education in 1980 and an M.A. in student development in 1984. He holds a Ph.D. in counselor education from the University of South Carolina Columbia.

In the 1980s, Fleming served as director of minority affairs at Appalachian, a position which was later renamed director of multicultural student development. He founded the Appalachian Gospel Choir and the university's Black Student Association, and was a founding member of Appalachian's Black Faculty and Staff Association.

The scholarship is open to all first-year students at Appalachian who are from North Carolina. Students must apply for admission and complete the scholarship application by Nov. 15.

View larger image — Bailey Gardin. Photo submitted

Bailey Gardin

Gardin, a first-year student at Appalachian from Gastonia, plans to major in political science with a concentration in legal studies and minor in psychology. He is one of four students who received Appalachian’s 2018–19 Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship.

“When a school makes you feel wanted and that they are committed to prioritizing your education, that’s an opportunity that you simply can’t pass up,” he said. “I am most excited to finally start the journey on my career path and continue to expand my passion for legal and government studies.”

Hudson Miller

Miller, a native of Charlotte and first-year student at Appalachian, said he chose to attend Appalachian because of the university’s “great education program.” The 2018–19 Fleming Scholar plans to major in secondary science education.

“I want to become a part of the wonderfully supportive community (at Appalachian),” he said.

Cece Ramseur

Ramseur, who is from West Jefferson, plans to major in biology at Appalachian. Ramseur, a first-year student, is one of four such students selected as 2018–19 Fleming Scholars.

She said she chose to attend the university because of the campus’ proximity to her hometown. “When I’m there (at Appalachian), it feels like home,” she said.

“The close-knit community is evident,” she continued. “I love the town and the people. I also knew that there are opportunities I can take at App that I can’t take anywhere else.”

Ashelyn Stevens

While at Appalachian, Stevens, a first-year student from Harrisburg, said she looks forward to “meeting new, diverse individuals who challenge my thoughts and beliefs, and push me to grow academically, physically, mentally and spiritually.”

As a 2018–19 Fleming Scholar at Appalachian, she plans to major in the university’s business management program.

Support the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Endowed Scholarship

Recipients of the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship demonstrate a desire to promote cultural diversity and are from populations that are underrepresented on campus. All scholars are awarded full in-state tuition and fees that are renewable if academic requirements are met. The scholarship is named for Dr. Willie C. Fleming, Appalachian’s chief diversity officer.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.