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 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.
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
Zha’Monét Gray, from Statesville, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Tony Harris II, from Charlotte, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds
David Itson, from Gastonia, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Amani Stanley, from Harrisburg, a 2022–23 Fleming Scholarship recipient. Photo by Chase Reynolds
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.
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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 the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
