FSU to Host 15th Annual Dr. Valeria Fleming Professional Round-Up on Oct. 10, Celebrating Mentorship and Career Success Across Disciplines
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University will host the 15th Annual Dr. Valeria Fleming Professional Round-Up on Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lyons Science Annex Building.
This year’s theme, “A Walk of Excellence,” continues the event’s tradition of honoring academic achievement, professional growth, and Fleming’s enduring legacy. The program connects students with FSU alumni professionals who return to campus to share insights, guidance, and career paths across multiple disciplines.
The Round-Up series was originally founded in 2010 by James Raynor, Ph.D., professor of biology and director of the FSU-Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) program, as a way to honor Fleming’s lifetime of service and influence at FSU. Over time, it has evolved into a cornerstone of mentorship and professional engagement during Homecoming week.
“This is about showcasing our alumni and bringing them back to inspire the next generation of Broncos,” said Raynor. “I tell our students all the time, ‘opportunity begins with the Bronco network.’”
Honoring a Trailblazing Scholar
Dr. Valeria Fleming, who entered into eternal rest in 2024, touched countless lives during her more than 55 years of teaching, leadership, and student success at Fayetteville State.
A valedictorian of the Allen Boarding School in Asheville, Fleming earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and master’s degree in Biology from North Carolina Central University before joining FSU in 1960. While teaching, she enrolled in the doctoral program in Zoology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, becoming the first African American to receive a doctoral degree in Biology/Zoology in the university's history.
Her commitment to students, scholarship, and institutional growth remains central to the spirit of the Round-Up and to FSU’s mission.
Keynote and Breakout Sessions
This year’s keynote speaker is Richard L. Watkins, Ph.D., founder, chairman, and CEO of the Science Policy Action Network, Inc. Watkins will share insights on perseverance, purpose, and success in professional life.
Following the keynote, attendees can participate in breakout sessions led by FSU alumni and professionals from diverse fields, including:
- Banking, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Management
- Criminal Justice, Law, Forensic Science, Cybersecurity
- Education, MS/Ph.D. Pathways, Biomedical/Clinical Research
- Medicine, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner
- Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Allied Health
- Social Work, Psychology, Counseling
Registration and Details
The Dr. Valeria Fleming Professional Round-Up is free and open to all Fayetteville State University students, faculty, staff, and members of the greater Fayetteville community.
Advance registration is required. To register, click here or email jraynor@uncfsu.edu with your name and affiliation for more information. Attendees can look forward to refreshments, giveaways, and a welcoming environment designed to foster networking and exploration.
The annual event and accompanying reception have been made possible through general donations to the Valeria Flemming Professional Round-Up Annual Fund Drive. Visit the site for donation opportunities.