Biological and Forensic Sciences held its 14th Annual Dr. Valeria Fleming Professional Round-Up

The Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences held its 14th Annual Dr. Valeria Fleming Professional Round-Up on Friday, April 12. The theme for this year was “A Walk of Excellence,” a tribute to Dr. Valeria P. Fleming who served the State of North Carolina and Fayetteville State University for more than 55 years.  Dr. Fleming passed away on January 16 at the age of 87.

Dr. Valeria Fleming was class Valedictorian of The Allen Boarding School in Asheville, NC, who then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a master’s degree in Biology from North Carolina Central University. Having a passion for students and the love for the sciences, Dr. Fleming began teaching at FSU in 1960 while enrolled in a doctoral program to study Zoology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds the honor of being the first African American to receive a doctoral degree in Biology/Zoology in the history of UNC at Chapel Hill.

The round-up event was launched by the walk of excellence processional walk of alumni, faculty and students, led into the Lyons Science Annex  building seminar room by Kenneth Fleming, the son of Dr. Fleming.  Students participated in the procession wearing white laboratory coats as a symbol of their commitment to excellence in education and service.  The commemorative walk was followed by a keynote address by Dr. Harriette Howard-Lee Block, Department Head of Biology at Prairie View A&M University.  Dr. Lee Block is a former colleague of Valeria Fleming and professor at FSU from 1981-1990.  Dr. Lee Block reminded the audience why Dr. Fleming is being honored through the round-up event. She stated, “Dr. Fleming knew the value of helping others aim high and achieve their goals.  Dr. Fleming was nurturing, compassionate, and excellence in motion.”  Dr. Lee Block also reminded faculty and students that Dr. Fleming paved the road of success for many students, and she urged everyone  to carry out the legacy of Dr. Fleming by doing both:  “Choosing to be the change and choosing to make the change you would like to see.” 

Following the keynote address, faculty and students received introductions from 15 Alumni Panel members, who returned to Bronco Network, inspire, and give insight to current students on educational pathways leading to successful careers.  This years’ Alumni Panel included several former students across a range of disciplines who traveled from around the world to meet with and encourage current students. The panelist included:

• Lamont Booker, Ph.D., Toxicologist, Class of 2003
• Chonna Campbell, MBA, Clinical Research Associate Lead, Class of 1997
• Mitz-Ann Edmond, DDS, Dentist, Class of 2003
• Bryan Gooding, DVM, Veterinarian, Class of 1985 
• Jackie Garner, DDS, Pediatric Dentist, Class of 2003
• Christa Leggette, M.A., JD, Department of Homeland Security, Class of 2003
• Anthony Nettey-Marbell, DDS, Family Dentist, Class of 2001
• Larry Portee, Senior Clinical Research Associate, Class of 1989
• Andre Whitehead, OD, Optometrist, Class of 2000
• Tamekia Whitfield, Ed.D., Professor, Class of 2002
• Michael Whiting, Pastor, Business and Economics, Class of 1994 & 2015

The professional round-up was originally created in April 2010 by Dr. James Raynor, professor, and Director of the U-RISE program in response to Chancellor James Anderson, who planned a camp-wide celebration in honor of Dr. Valeria Fleming’s more than 55 years of excellence to teaching, scholarship and service. The event is held twice a year, on the Friday of FSU Homecoming week, and on the second Friday of April each year.