8 App State students awarded Fleming Scholarship for 2023–24
“Through their leadership and service, to both the App State and local community, our Fleming Scholars are excellent reflections of Dr. Fleming’s legacy. I look forward to following the journey of this year’s class of scholars as they advance as leaders and grow as Mountaineers.”
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts
“Our newest Fleming Scholars are outstanding students and emerging leaders who will be able to focus on making a positive impact on our campus and in the surrounding communities.”
App State Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parson
By Brian Miller
Posted Oct. 28, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
BOONE, N.C. — Eight first-year students at Appalachian State University have been awarded the Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship for the 2023–24 academic year.
“Through their leadership and service, to both the App State and local community, our Fleming Scholars are excellent reflections of Dr. Fleming’s legacy. I look forward to following the journey of this year’s class of scholars as they advance as leaders and grow as Mountaineers.”
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts
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. He also served as App State’s director of minority affairs, known today as Intercultural Student Affairs, in the 1980s. Fleming 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.
“Through their leadership and service, to both the App State and local community, our Fleming Scholars are excellent reflections of Dr. Fleming’s legacy,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “I look forward to following the journey of this latest class of scholars as they advance as leaders and grow as Mountaineers.”
The Fleming Scholarship, now in its ninth year, is awarded to students based on their academic excellence and leadership, scholarship and community involvement. It covers full in-state tuition and fees for up to four consecutive years and includes mentorship by alumni.
“The Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship allows App State to recruit and support students from a wide range of backgrounds with strong records of achievement,” said App State Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parson. “Our newest Fleming Scholars are outstanding students and emerging leaders who will be able to focus on making a positive impact on our campus and in the surrounding communities — without worrying about how they are going to afford their App State educations.”
“Our newest Fleming Scholars are outstanding students and emerging leaders who will be able to focus on making a positive impact on our campus and in the surrounding communities.”
Brown is a management major who aspires to become a business manager and leader in his field. He said he chose App State because it offers a great management program, adding that the field of business is especially intriguing to him because it opens up opportunities to work for many different companies — experience that can be applied to many different aspects of life.
Brown said, “The Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship will allow me to focus on my education and surround me with inspiring leaders who strive to accomplish greater change in their communities.”
Brown is a graduate of Bunker Hill High School, where he participated in SkillsUSA, Beta Club and the National Society of High School Scholars. He was also a member of the worship team at his church.
Coleman said he chose App State not only because it offers his major of music therapy, but also because he “wanted to experience what it feels like to be a part of a diverse community that’s open to new people.”
Coleman said that coming from a low-income family, his Fleming Scholarship has taken the financial burden off of his shoulders and that he can now truly enjoy the college experience and make a plan for his future as a music therapist.
“When I found out about music therapy, I knew I could make a difference in the world. App State has a strong music program that will help me achieve my dream,” said Coleman.
Coleman graduated from Walter M. Williams High School, where he was involved in volleyball, indoor track, musical theater and children’s theater, as well as several clubs, including Debate Club and A Cappella Club.
“Since I was 5 years old I was raised as a military child,” said Drew. “I moved to five different states and attended nine different schools. Consistency, community and a sense of belonging are now things I value. App State is the first college that captured my attention and sparked my interest.”
Drew is majoring in computer science with a concentration in software engineering. He said he chose App State for its internship opportunities, real-world computer science applications, engagements outside of classroom studies and high-quality education. Referencing the “camaraderie amongst the faculty, students and community,” Drew said, “App State checked all the boxes for what I think will best support my career goals.”
As a Fleming Scholar, Drew said he will be able to invest in his education and alleviate some of the financial strain on his parents, who have worked hard to provide for him and his siblings.
Drew graduated from Charles E. Jordan High School, where he was a member of the U.S. Army Veterans Corporation.
Ejindu said the beauty of App State’s Boone campus, coupled with its outstanding biology program, is why she chose to attend the university. “I was first blown away by the spectacular environment and surroundings I had stepped into, and once I did more research, I realized App State was the place for me,” she said.
With her Fleming Scholarship, Ejindu said she hopes to be able to study abroad, to “learn about different cultures’ ways of medicine and their relation to ours, so I can advance my education in the best way possible.”
Ejindu graduated from The Early College at Guilford, where she was a member of EducateUS and a teaching assistant for Guilford College’s elementary statistics class. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, two tutoring organizations, several clubs, including the Interact Service Club, and a volunteer at Westover Church.
Mealy said her Fleming Scholarship will provide her with “valuable opportunities to create networking connections and a sense of community.”
Mealy is majoring in middle grades education with a concentration in mathematics and science. She said she knew App State was the right school for her after she first interviewed with the scholarship committee.
“I loved how welcoming everyone was and the sense of community and support between students, faculty and staff,” she said.
Mealy said her Fleming Scholarship will help her to achieve her goal of enrolling into graduate school without financial burdens. She plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
Mealy is a graduate of Hayfield Secondary School, where she was the operations manager and lead tutor at the writing center, lead stage manager of the drama department, a student ambassador, a tutoring coordinator for the Spanish Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society.
“From the first moment I stepped on campus, I just felt that Appalachian was right for me, and it was a place that I could thrive,” Parker said. “Its community, its staff and its overall essence just grabbed onto me and wouldn’t let go.”
Parker is an English major with a concentration in creative writing. Her goal is to become a fiction author. “Ever since I was a child, I have always been enamored with the world of fiction,” she said. “Sharing these feelings of joy and whimsy with other people made my heart glow.”
As a Fleming Scholar, Parker said she is confident that working with knowledgeable, goal-oriented and compassionate individuals will serve her educationally and personally for years to come.
Parker graduated from Riverside High School, where she was a cheerleader and in the marching band, as well as a member of the National Honor Society.
Saner is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing and plans to be a midwife after graduating. She said, “I have always loved taking care of children, and the birthing process is special and rewarding to be a part of. I want to ease the anxieties of motherhood.”
With her Fleming Scholarship, Saner said she will be able to eliminate the worry and stress of having debt after college and will also have more time to focus on her education, meet new people and build new relationships.
Saner said she chose App State because it offers global perspectives and has a reputation of being diverse in its educational programs. She said, “The nursing program is outstanding and the community is well known for its friendly, productive and peaceful nature.”
Saner is a graduate of Watauga High School, where she participated in the Debate Club, Sustainability Club, Science Club, Journalism Club and Sign Language Club. She also took part in the Watauga Innovation Academy, a partnership between Watauga High and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute; through this program, Watauga High students can earn college credits while completing their high school educations. Additionally, Saner was a Pioneer Ambassador and was involved in several choirs as a member of the National Performing Arts Society.
“This scholarship will benefit me in so many ways,” Twitty said. “Even before I had gotten to campus, it had already opened so many doors and opportunities for me to meet so many great people at App State.”
Twitty is using his Fleming Scholarship to pursue a degree in political science, with a goal of becoming a lawyer. The scholarship "will help me when it’s time to go to law school and pay for that education,” he said.
Twitty said he chose App State because of its atmosphere, people and high-quality education.
Twitty graduated from East Rutherford High School, where he played on the football team for three years and was a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, New Century Scholars, Student Government Association and more.
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.
Through its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and online programs, App State prepares students to become globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities. Strengthen your academic focus, discover your passions and take the next step in your life’s journey.
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.
“Through their leadership and service, to both the App State and local community, our Fleming Scholars are excellent reflections of Dr. Fleming’s legacy. I look forward to following the journey of this year’s class of scholars as they advance as leaders and grow as Mountaineers.”
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts
“Our newest Fleming Scholars are outstanding students and emerging leaders who will be able to focus on making a positive impact on our campus and in the surrounding communities.”
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.
Through its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and online programs, App State prepares students to become globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities. Strengthen your academic focus, discover your passions and take the next step in your life’s journey.
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:
Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
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:
Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.