University of Central Arkansas alum Carol B. Fleming, speech-language pathologist, was recognized Friday, November 13, 2015 at the annual American Speech Language Hearing Foundation’s Founders Breakfast in Denver, Colorado. Carol received the Rolland J. Van Hattum Award for Contributions in the Schools. The award was presented based on her exemplary advocacy efforts and clinical achievements to enhance service delivery in the schools.
Carol frequently contacts legislators to advocate for educational issues impacting students and professionals. She has passed and prevented the passage of legislation that impacts speech-language pathologists in the schools.
In 2008, Carol developed a web-based resource for the speech-language pathologists in her school district. She worked closely with district administration and the webmaster to make this resource accessible for therapists.
In addition to receiving a plaque, Carol was presented a $500 check for the school district. She was recognized Friday night at the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s Honors and Awards Program. At the awards reception she had the honor to meet and visit with Mrs. Annie Glenn, Mr. David Seidler (The King’s Speech), and Eric Weihenmayer (the only blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest).
This is the third time Carol has been recognized by the national organization for her outstanding work. In 2012, she was named Fellow of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Fellowship of the Association is one of the highest honors bestowed on a professional. To be awarded Fellow, the nominee must have made outstanding contributions to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. The key word for this award is “outstanding:” the nominee must truly stand out among one’s peers. The term implies contributions that are significant and would be so regarded within and beyond one’s community or state. While there are thousands of members who fulfill their professional responsibilities competently, only a small percentage have, by virtue of the quality and amount of their contributions, distinguished themselves sufficiently to warrant recognition. Additionally, Carol is the only school-based Fellow in the state of Arkansas.
In 2013, Carol was the first recipient of the ASHA Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions in Preschool – Grade 12 Education Settings. This award was created by the ASHA Board of Directors in 2012 to recognize school-based speech language pathologists and audiologists who have distinguished achievements and/or contributions in the schools.
Carol has worked at Pulaski Heights Middle School since 1999. She graduated from UCA in Conway, AR with both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech language pathology (BS ’90, MS ’91). She is a member of the UCA Alumni Association and regularly donates to the Foundation (even donating to assist with the development of the Greek Village, particularly the Sigma Kappa House). She was a member of the Delta Tau chapter of Sigma Kappa (Fall ’86).
She is married to Eric Fleming and has three children: Amber (21) and twins, Josh and Jack (20). Her daughter is a senior at the university studying Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her son Jack attends Lyon College in Batesville.
Carol is very involved with service to her profession/career. She is a member of the ArkSHA BOD as an ex-officio – serving as an advisory member. She is the State Educational Advocacy Leader (SEAL) -serving as a liaison between ArkSHA and ASHA. She serves on many ASHA committees and Boards: PAC Board, Advisory Council, Schools Based Issues Special Interest Group, and State Advocacy Network groups. Carol is also a member of the Arkansas Education Association. She serves as the chair of the Legislative Committee and is the NEA Director for Arkansas -serving on the NEA BOD. She was president of our Association twice – 2005 and 2010. She has also been the president of the Council of State Speech/Hearing Association Presidents (www.csap.org) – a national organization that provides leadership training to state speech/hearing associations.
If you have any further questions, Ms. Fleming can be reached by phone: 501-590-1702 or email: cbflem@swbell.net