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The 2022–23 Fleming Scholars are pictured at the Fleming Scholarship Recognition Reception held at App State’s Plemmons Student Union on Oct. 28. From left to right: Tony Harris II, Amani Stanley, Zha’Monét Gray and David Tyler Itson. Photo by Chase Reynolds

App State recognizes 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipients

“This year’s Fleming Scholarship recipients are outstanding representatives of Dr. Fleming’s legacy. I look forward to watching them develop as leaders in the university community and beyond.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

By J. Todd Coates
Edited by Anna Oakes
Posted Nov. 10, 2022 at 9:56 a.m.

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.

“This year’s Fleming Scholarship recipients are outstanding representatives of Dr. Fleming’s legacy. I look forward to watching them develop as leaders in the university community and beyond.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

The Fleming Scholarship program, now in its eighth 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.

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Dr. Willie C. Fleming, kneeling, Dr. Reneé Evans ’97 ’99, far right, and Judge Gary Henderson ’92 ’94, back row, second from left, are pictured with the 2022–23 Fleming Scholars and Fleming Scholars from previous years at the Fleming Scholarship Recognition Reception held at App State’s Plemmons Student Union on Oct. 28. Photo by Chase Reynolds

The scholarship was established by alumni to honor Dr. Willie C. Fleming ’80 ’84 for his many contributions to App State. Fleming retired in June 2021 after serving as App State’s first cabinet-level chief diversity officer. The two-time App State graduate served as App State’s director of minority affairs, known today as Intercultural Student Affairs, in the 1980s. He founded the App State Gospel Choir and the Black Student Association and was a founding member of the university’s Black Faculty and Staff Association. He was also instrumental in bringing Black Greek life to App State.

“This year’s Fleming Scholarship recipients are outstanding representatives of Dr. Fleming’s legacy,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “I look forward to watching them develop as leaders in the university community and beyond.”

The 2022–23 recipients of the Fleming Scholarship:

  • Zha’Monét Gray, of Statesville.
  • Tony Harris II, of Charlotte.
  • David Tyler Itson, of Gastonia.
  • Amani Stanley, of Harrisburg.

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 to assume the responsibility of leadership, scholarship and community involvement.

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 App State’s African American Alumni 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. Many of the endowment’s donors are AAAN members.

The 2022–23 class and previous classes of scholars were recognized at the Fleming Scholarship Recognition Reception held at Plemmons Student Union on Oct. 28.

Meet the 2022–23 Fleming Scholars

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Zha’Monét Gray, from Statesville, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Zha’Monét Gray

“I chose App State to continue my education because every time I went to visit App State it never failed to make me feel like I was at home,” said Zha’Monét Gray, a Statesville native. “The welcoming environment, students and staff made it impossible for me to say ‘no,’ and I couldn't be more happy with my decision!”

Gray noted that she is especially looking forward to the mentorship opportunities available to Fleming Scholars. The Statesville High School graduate has chosen a field of study in immigration law to help as many immigrants as possible obtain their U.S. citizenship.

While attending Statesville High School, Gray participated in Crosby Scholars, JROTC, Beta Club, the National Technical Honor Society, Fi-Y, cheerleading and softball. Gray also served as a junior marshal and a Teen Court Student Section Leader.

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Tony Harris II, from Charlotte, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Tony Harris II

Tony Harris II, from Charlotte, was a three-sport athlete — football, track and basketball — and participated in the Black Student Union at Providence Day School.

He chose App State for two reasons. First, App State offers a degree in risk management and insurance, which has been ranked second in the nation by AM Best. Second, Harris is a member of the App State football program.

“I get to experience the best of both worlds — academically and athletically,” said Harris. “I chose risk management and insurance because it opens me up to understanding more about risk in all aspects of business. I will learn more about insurance, which applies to all areas of our lives.”

Harris, who plans to pursue a career as a sports agent or an attorney, was inspired by his father, who also majored in risk management and insurance.

“I have seen how he’s been able to own an agency and oversee risk management for a local entity,” Harris said. “This will assist me in reaching that next level.”

Harris looks forward to building relationships and obtaining knowledge from mentors associated with the scholarship.

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David Itson, from Gastonia, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds

David Tyler Itson

In the 10th grade, David Itson, a Gastonia native and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Virtual High School graduate, transferred to a different school, where one of the required classes was accounting. Despite his initial lack of interest in the subject, Itson credits an influential teacher with inspiring him to develop an appreciation for accounting principles.

“Within the first couple of weeks of the class, I realized I was enjoying the course,” Itson said. “The idea of becoming an accountant became more prevalent, which is why I declared accounting as my primary major.” Itson said he included App State in his college search because of its well-known accounting program, and that “App State seemed to always be brought up in a conversation.”

“Everything happened so organically, as if it was written in stone somewhere,” Itson said. “For me, App State wasn’t a choice; it was really my only path.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree at App State, Itson plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a certified public accountant. Itson said an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to help people in need will help guide his career path.

While in high school, Itson served as vice president of communications for the National Technical Honor Society, as a member of the Young Black Leadership Alliance and as a keynote speaker for the Lunch with a Lawyer Program. He also owned his own math tutoring business for middle school students.

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Amani Stanley, from Harrisburg, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Amani Stanley

Amani Stanley, a Mount Pleasant High School graduate from Harrisburg, said she chose App State “because of its beautiful campus, its desire to improve diversity and its unrelenting passion for the environment,” and said she is proud to represent the Fleming Scholarship.

As she begins her college journey, Stanley said she’s interested in potential tracks in forensics or business.

“I am curious about forensics because I am intrigued at how science is used to help bring peace to victims’ families and bring criminals to justice,” Stanley said. She is also “leaning toward a major within the business field,” and is attracted by the Walker College of Business’ AACSB accreditation.

While in high school, Stanley was a member of the Key Club and Beta Club and was valedictorian of her senior class.

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In their own words

Interested in learning more about App State’s 2022–23 Fleming Scholars? In this video, the scholars share details about their App State Experience and the opportunities afforded them through the Fleming Scholars program.

Transcript

Zha’Monét Gray: Hi. My name is Monét. I am a political science major here at App State and I’m from Statesville, North Carolina.

David Itson: My name is David Itson and I plan to major in accounting and I’m from Gastonia, North Carolina.

Amani Stanely: Hello, my name is Amani. I'm actually undecided and my hometown is Harrisburg, North Carolina.

Tony Harris: My name is Tony Harris. I'm majoring in risk management and insurance and I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina.

ZG: I enjoy a lot of things here at App State, but the thing I enjoy the most is being able to live right down the hall from all my best friends here on campus.

AS: One thing that I enjoy about App State is the beautiful campus. It’s very pretty with all the colorful leaves and another thing I enjoy is the community that we have here at Appalachian State.

TH: The thing I love about being at App State is the views. I love the football aspect of it. The people are nice here. The weather … well, not necessarily the weather … but the teachers are great here and I would say the classes, I’m learning a lot in the classes as well.

DI: One thing that I do enjoy about being at App State is actually being in the minority. It’s being Black at App State. We were forced to kind of make that strong-knit community and within the first couple weeks, I have met people that I now consider as family, and that’s what I really have enjoyed so much about App State and the community around it that allow us to build that tight-knit family.

AS: When I first found out that I was going to be a Fleming Scholar, I was really, really excited and the first person I told, I think, was my sister.

ZG: I was so excited I did not expect to ever achieve or receive a full-ride scholarship from any university, but when I received it, I cried, I cheered, I celebrated.

DI: So, the first thought through my head was “Was this real?” So, I had to do a little research beforehand, and then when I figured out it was real, it actually felt like my hard work that I’ve been going through, through my years of schooling and pushing myself, was actually worth it.

TH: My family, when we found out I got the scholarship for the Fleming Scholars, they were excited, especially my dad because he used to go here, and my sister went here as well and then I have a sister here that’s going here right now.

ZG: Well, my mom, for one, started crying when I received the scholarship. She was like “No debt! No debt!” and I was like “Yay!” So it was really great to know that I was going to be able to attend a four-year college debt-free and that is like the American dream and I’m living it so I’m really excited.

DI: Needless to say, they were overjoyed once they found out and I quote my grandma said, “You going where the money is!” So, one of the reasons why I ended up here, so it was kind of a no-brainer after that fact.

TH: I would say being a Fleming Scholar, it takes a lot of stress off my parents, you know, having to pay bills, because I have three other siblings in school right now. So, yeah, it takes a lot of stress off of them.

AS: It allows me to (a) have financial assistance, and another thing that it opens up is it opens up doors for mentorship opportunities so I have more guidance and help along the way in my college career and professional career.

DI: … And being able to just focus on my education and focus on my goals and my dreams to accomplish and giving me that opportunity that not many people have the luxury of having a stress-free experience at college.

AS: What I enjoy most about the Fleming Scholar ocmmunity is that I have a backbone and I have a lot of support to lean on to, and if I have any questions, I know that there’s others to help guide me.

TH: It’s great because if I need anything, they got me. If I have any questions, they got me, or if I’m having trouble, they got me, so if they need anything for me, they got me too. So, it’s great being able to build those connections and getting to know new people as well.

DI: To me, being a Fleming Scholar is a responsibility and knowing that when I do walk out my dorm, when I go to school, when I go back home, that I’m not only representing myself but I’m also representing the Fleming Scholarship and knowing that I have things that need to be accomplished for myself and for Flemings and that my success and my failures not only represent myself but represent them as well.

TH: The legacy I would like to leave behind is that I’m a very hard worker, on the field and off the field, in the classroom, building great connections with my teachers and my classmates as well as my teammates.

AS: I hope to accomplish a successful career. I hope that I have an internship and that I have graduated with honors. Another thing that I hope is I hope that everybody that knew me here at App State knows that I’m a good person and that I will help anyone regardless of anything.

DI: You know what? I’m not sure. I can’t really say from four or five years from now what legacy that I want to leave behind, but I do know one thing for sure: I want to leave a legacy behind, and I don’t know what exactly what that's going to look like. I know that’s going to probably be somewhat dealing with bringing more people of color in the school, however I can do that. So about four or five years from now, it might be a whole list of things that I have that I haven't done and have done, but I know I want to leave something behind, so when my name is said 10 years from now, I have a legacy that can be remembered.

ZG: When I finish my time here at Appalachian State University, I want to say that I accomplished something that nobody else has here on campus. I want to find something that maybe no other Black student might have done or no other female student might have accomplished. I want to say that me, Zha’Monét Gray, has accomplished that here on Appalachian State’s campus, whatever that might be.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Support the Fleming Scholarship
Support the Fleming Scholarship

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.

Give now
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. Academic excellence is also a key qualifier for the applicants, and as members of the Appalachian Community, they are called on to speak publicly and assume the responsibility of leadership, scholarship and community involvement.

Learn more
App State announces 4 recipients of its Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship
App State announces 4 recipients of its Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship
Nov. 10, 2021

Four first-year students have been awarded full in-state tuition to App State through the university’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship — a merit-based scholarship designed to support students from underrepresented populations.

Read the story
4 diversity advocates named 2020–21 App State Fleming Scholars
4 diversity advocates named 2020–21 App State Fleming Scholars
Oct. 9, 2020

Four incoming first-year students with the desire to promote cultural diversity have received Appalachian’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship, which awards full in-state tuition and fees for up to four consecutive years.

Read the story

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.

“This year’s Fleming Scholarship recipients are outstanding representatives of Dr. Fleming’s legacy. I look forward to watching them develop as leaders in the university community and beyond.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

Support the Fleming Scholarship
Support the Fleming Scholarship

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.

Give now
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. Academic excellence is also a key qualifier for the applicants, and as members of the Appalachian Community, they are called on to speak publicly and assume the responsibility of leadership, scholarship and community involvement.

Learn more
App State announces 4 recipients of its Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship
App State announces 4 recipients of its Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship
Nov. 10, 2021

Four first-year students have been awarded full in-state tuition to App State through the university’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship — a merit-based scholarship designed to support students from underrepresented populations.

Read the story
4 diversity advocates named 2020–21 App State Fleming Scholars
4 diversity advocates named 2020–21 App State Fleming Scholars
Oct. 9, 2020

Four incoming first-year students with the desire to promote cultural diversity have received Appalachian’s Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship, which awards full in-state tuition and fees for up to four consecutive years.

Read the story

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
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