Tyler Fleming

Whether he’s representing the Manning School of Business as a student ambassador, responding to natural disasters or organizing food drives, Tyler Fleming is focused on helping others.

Fleming’s commitment to service began early as an Eagle Scout and continues today through his work with Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization in which he has helped to clear debris, cut fallen trees and remove damaged materials from homes after major storms around the country. On campus, he has led community service efforts through the International Business Association, working with organizations like House of Hope to distribute food to local families.

“Food insecurity is such a tangible issue that you can help fix,” he says. “If you take care of one basic need, it can improve everything else in someone’s life.”

That belief is driving Fleming’s long-term goal: to start a food bank.

“I really enjoy nonprofit work,” he says. “I want to be able to build something that helps people.”

To get there, Fleming is pursuing a business degree with an accounting concentration. He plans to begin his career in public accounting, building the financial foundation needed to launch and sustain a nonprofit. He is already preparing for the CPA exam.

A Chelmsford native, Fleming started college at Rochester Institute of Technology, where he explored environmental engineering and, later, political science before stepping away to rethink his path.

“I just wasn’t ready to be a full-time student,” he says.

After earning an associate degree in business at Middlesex Community College, he arrived at UMass Lowell with a clearer focus.

“I enjoy accounting a lot,” he says. “It’s really fun when you finally solve the puzzle of what’s going on.”

Fleming’s perspective has also been shaped by personal challenges. Born with microtia, a condition that affects the development of the outer ear and can cause hearing loss, he underwent more than a dozen surgeries growing up and relied on a hearing aid and speech therapy to develop his communication skills.

“I can hear, but not as well as most people. I had to work at it,” Fleming says. “Everyone has their own situation. I’ve had challenges, but there are people dealing with a lot more. I always keep that in mind.”

His drive to give back is rooted in his upbringing. Raised by his grandparents, Fleming says their work ethic and sacrifices continue to motivate him.

“They gave me opportunities that they didn’t have. I want to use that to keep improving myself and help other people,” says Fleming, a commuter student who helps to care for his grandmother at home.

As a Manning School Ambassador, Fleming helps represent the college at events and sees firsthand the effort that goes into building its community.

“A lot of schools have resources, but what makes the Manning School special is the people,” he says. “I’ve met so many students, faculty and staff that support one another. You can see that enthusiasm and care through their actions.”