Dr. April L. Fleming
Dean of Education and Charter Schools
An accomplished and visionary educational leader, Dr. April L. Fleming brings over two decades of experience in shaping and advancing academic programs. Currently serving as the Dean of the School of Education & Charter Schools at Florida SouthWestern State College, Dr. Fleming has demonstrated exemplary leadership in fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. With a proven track record of strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder collaboration, Dr. Fleming has been instrumental in driving growth, enhancing academic offerings, and cultivating meaningful partnerships to meet the evolving needs of the educational landscape.
Strategic Visionary: Spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan for the School of Education, resulting in the introduction of three new workforce certificates and a bachelor's degree in educational studies, aligning academic offerings with industry demands and student aspirations.
Community Engagement: Fostered strong partnerships with local school districts, community foundations, and private philanthropists to expand workforce offerings and increase the college's presence in the community, driving mutually beneficial collaborations and enhancing student opportunities.
Academic Excellence: Provided programmatic leadership, overseeing curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and budget management, ensuring adherence to academic standards and accreditation requirements while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Innovative Initiatives: Pioneered the development and design of a Teacher Apprenticeship Program at FSW and led the redesign of Early Childhood Education courses, leveraging data-driven insights and best practices to enhance student engagement, retention, and success.
Collaborative Leadership: Collaborated effectively with college administrators, faculty, and staff to develop and implement academic policies, facilitate faculty development, and promote a collegial environment conducive to teaching, research, and outreach.
Dr. Fleming earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Dillard University, a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Doctorate in Education, with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Fleming embodies a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, characterized by effective communication, strategic planning, and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. With a passion for education and a dedication to empowering students and faculty alike, Dr. Fleming is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of education and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.