To fill the need for more housing for men, Fleming Hall was built in 1953. It is named for President Wallace B. Fleming.
Wallace B. Fleming, President of the College from 1915-22, guided the college through the financial issues of that time. Known as a fundraiser, he led the Half-Million Campaign in 1917. Later he returned as Vice President from 1938-44 to lead the Semi-Centennial Campaign. As an ordained Methodist minister, Fleming was asked to correspond with, comfort, and offer memorial prayers for students who fought in World War I. He also wrote the lyrics to our Alma Mater.
(1952-06) Photo of construction. [West Virginia Wesleyan College Bulletin Capital Funds Report, p.3]
One hundred Wesleyan men are going to be mighty proud, happy — and comfortable when they return to the campus this fall and are assigned rooms in the new men’s residence hall. Finished, furnished and ready to move in to the new dormitory is a model in gracious and comfortable college living. Each room is completely outfitted in the latest and best available furniture — and the beds look so comfortable that probably eight o’clock classes will be even more unpopular. Mrs. Gussler will be resident House Mother and a cozy apartment has been provided for her on the first floor. Supervisory duties will be shared with her by Prof. Donald Flynn, Instructor in Religious Education. [West Virginia Wesleyan College Bulletin 1952-09, p.1]
(1952-10-24) Dedication of Men’s Residence Hall (now known as Fleming Hall) took place at 11am during Homecoming celebration, the speaker of the event was Bishop James H. Straughn. [West Virginia Wesleyan College Bulletin, 1952-10, page 1]
(1952-10-24) Dedication Address by Bishop Straughan: What Happens At College. [West Virginia Wesleyan College Bulletin. 1953-03, p.1]
(1976) Dorm Suffers Damage [Pharos 1976-12-15, p.1]
(1977) Editorial: Fire Fans Furor [Pharos 1977-01-12, p.8] Fire in Fleming Hall on December 11 caused some students to go to Community Council to protest for reforms.
(2006) College Renovates Quad Residence Halls [Sundial 2006 Fall/Winter p.8] The first phase of a two million dollar residence hall renovation project this summer in Doney Hall, Fleming Hall, and McCuskey Hall has been completed. the new improvements provided new energy efficient windows, desks, chairs, beds, doors, and floor tile in doney and Fleming and new energy efficient windows in Mccuskey. Students are also benefiting from interior and exterior painting, more community space, and an upgrade to the television cable system. Phase two of the project will begin this summer. All bathrooms in the Quad will be remodeled. The College’s long-term plan is to renovate other residence halls over the campus during the next several years. Currenly, over 80 percent of Wesleyan’s students live on-campus.