BOONE, N.C. — Four first-year students at Appalachian State University have been named recipients of the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship — a merit-based award designed to support students from underrepresented populations.
The scholarship was established by alumni to honor Dr. Willie C. Fleming ’80 ’84 for his many contributions to App State.
“This year’s outstanding Fleming Scholars, along with the 23 scholars who came before them, represent Dr. Fleming’s legacy and his nearly four decades of dedication to the advancement of diversity and inclusion at App State,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts.
Judge Gary Henderson ’92 ’94, who presides over Mecklenburg County’s 26th Judicial District, initiated the Fleming Scholarship in 2011. He and Dr. Reneé Evans ’97 ’99, a founder of the Appalachian African American Network (AAAN) and then-president of the organization, formed a committee consisting of members of the African American alumni community to fully develop, implement and engage alumni to give toward the scholarship and its endowment. Evans and Henderson co-chair the scholarship’s endowment committee, and many of the endowment’s donors are AAAN members.
“We thank Judge Henderson and Dr. Evans for creating a scholarship that honors Dr. Fleming’s legacy and the legacy of each Fleming Scholar. As lead donors, they championed a highly collaborative effort to garner overwhelming support for this influential and impactful program,” Everts said.
The 2021–22 recipients:
- Charles Johnson III, of Parkton.
- R.J. Johnson Jr., of Franklinton.
- Victoria Smith, of Raleigh.
- Khaden Watson, of Charlotte.
The Fleming Scholarship program, now in its seventh year, covers full in-state tuition and fees for up to four consecutive years. The renewable scholarship includes mentorship by alumni, the opportunity to participate in inclusivity-focused events, and networking and team building within each group of recipients.
Fleming Scholars are selected based on their academic excellence and their desire to promote cultural diversity. As members of the App State Community, the scholars are called on to speak publicly and assume the responsibility of leadership, scholarship and community involvement.
Meet the 2021–22 Fleming Scholars
Charles Johnson III, of Parkton, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship. Photo submitted
R.J. Johnson Jr., of Franklinton, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Victoria Smith, of Raleigh, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship. Photo submitted
Khaden Watson, of Charlotte, is a 2021–22 recipient of Appalachian State University’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Interested in learning more about App State’s 2021–22 Fleming Scholars? In this video, the scholars share details about their App State Experience and the opportunities afforded them through the Fleming Scholars program. Video by Jawoin Williams, App State University Housing coordinator
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
Dr. Willie C. Fleming ’80 ’84. Photo by Marie Freeman
About the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship
The Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship is designed to support students from underrepresented populations, with selection based on their desire to promote cultural diversity. In addition to covering full in-state tuition and fees, the renewable scholarship provides mentorship by alumni, the opportunity to participate in inclusivity-focused events, and networking and team building within each cohort of recipients. It was established to honor Dr. Willie C. Fleming ’80 ’84, who founded the Appalachian Gospel Choir and the Black Student Association, was a founding member of the Black Faculty and Staff Association and was also instrumental in bringing black Greek life to the university. Learn more
About Scholarships at App State
Appalachian State University offers students the opportunity to receive a world-class education at an affordable rate, with an average of $25 million awarded to incoming, current and transfer students each year based on need, as well as academic and athletic achievement. On average, about $4.9 million in outside aid is awarded to App State students annually. App State’s Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships assists students in learning about and applying for these university scholarship opportunities and also shares information about non-App State scholarships. Learn more at https://scholarships.appstate.edu.
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, affordable education for all. 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.
Dr. Willie C. Fleming ’80 ’84. Photo by Marie Freeman
![App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]](/_images/_posts/2025/04/ai-concentration-600x400.jpg)
