Alexander “Zan” Fleming, M.D.

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BS Molecular Biology, 1971

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I had started school at Vanderbilt, but was not really “finding” myself there.  UWF was a brand new university and I thought that it might be a place where I could find myself.. I could be a part of starting traditions and not have to fit into traditions that did not suit me. Yet, I did not realize how fulfilling my UWF experience would be, both academically and personally. I had the opportunity to work closely with founding President, Judge Harold Crosby, and other outstanding professors and administrators.

What were your goals as a student?
When I came to UWF, I had only a vague idea of what I wanted to accomplish, and was not even clear on immediate steps. Involvement in a variety of activities and exposure to an inspiring group of UWF professors and administrators quickly gave me purpose and directions. I was taught I had something to contribute. UWF helped me get by bearings and set me on a path. 

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
My best memory was being involved as the chairperson of UWF’s first Springcoming - the original UWF homecoming. It was a very empowering process for me. There was no path to follow; it was up to us to invent it. UWF students came together to help organize it and put it on. One of the most rewarding accomplishments was designing and creating a large backdrop with the UWF seal painted on it. We needed $50 to purchase 800 square feet of canvas and 5 gallons of paint as raw materials.  We received the money from the vice president of administration, and we designed and painted it ourselves. This huge canvas was used for many years as a backdrop for UWF commencements. We left a legacy for a little money and some hard but gratifying work.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
It is very hard for me to single out my favorite because I had so many excellent teachers and role models. One stands out because she was not an academic professor, but still a masterful teacher. Dot Stewart taught me that I could be leader. She showed me how to work with all types of people and she gave me the confidence to do so. Dot is in a very special category not just for me but for a lot of my classmates.

The chemistry and biology faculties were all outstanding people who took a personal interest in me and helping me to be successful. The humanities faculties were outstanding and made a lasting difference in my life.   

Dr. Art Doerr was an early inspiration to me and that has continued over the years. 

What do you do now? How did UWF help you progress to this point?
I am the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinexum LLC www.kinexum.com, a company with partners and associates throughout the world who provide scientific, regulatory, and strategic business services to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.  I am also chief medical officer of a therapeutic development company, Kinexum Metabolics, Inc. The company's lead product is a treatment aimed at curing or treating both T1 and T2 diabetes. I am a member of over 12 scientific advisory boards of large and small pharmaceutical companies.   Prior to entering the private sector, I was at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, where I served as a supervisory physician responsible for diabetes and other metabolic drugs, Agency representative to various international initiatives, and chairman  for professional education. I left as the senior endocrinologist at FDA in 1999. I am a frequent invited speaker at conferences.  One of my next appearances will be as plenary speaker at the Metabolic Disease World Summit.

I credit UWF for preparing me in a variety of ways — starting with a solid education in biology, chemistry, and physics and extending to other disciplines like finance, modern art, and music. UWF taught me that I had something to offer in working with others to achieve a common goal and not to hold back in my participation. I was inspired by professors and administrators, who were making a difference, to make a difference myself. The need for activism is so important today in the areas of healthcare, medicine, and developing treatments. At UWF, I was given the education, training, and inspiration to make a difference in drug development and serve as a voice for moving healthcare product development forward in creative and constructive ways. At UWF, I learned to take responsibility for making improvements — I have taken that attitude with me — from improving how we treat patients to how as a society we apply scarce resources to improving health and well being.  

How do you stay connected to UWF? 
Honestly, I am not connected as much as I would like to be.  I frequently attended and enjoyed alumni events in the Atlanta and Washington, DC area for years but traveling has taken its toll more recently.  Over the years, I have stayed in touch with faculty and alumni. I look forward to the stage in my life when I can become more involved and attend campus activities with more regularity. I do continue to contribute to UWF financially as one way I can show my appreciation for all the UWF has given me.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students? 
UWF can give you an excellent academic education but there is so much more to be had at UWF. You will be offered many opportunities at UWF to find meaning, purpose, and passion for your life. You can get the personal attention that is so important when you are confused, depressed, or unsure. Take full advantage of the relationships you can develop with faculty, staff, and students. Look for your niche and master it. 

What quality makes UWF special or unique?  
The personal attention that UWF gives to the individual is what sets this university apart.  From the early years, UWF has thrived on a tradition of individual attention, creativity and entrepreneurship. It is not hidebound by academic ivy.  UWF equips and inspires its students to make a difference in the world.  It educates one student at a time.

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