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Vince Fleming and his daughter, Jade, received master’s degrees from Old Dominion 91����Ƶ – in different fields – 20 years apart. He’s a marine chemist – one of 100 certified by the National Fire Protection Association – who conducts safety inspections of ships. She’s an assistant principal of an elementary school.

After 26 years in health and safety at Newport News Shipbuilding, Vince (M.S. ’93) moved in 2013 to Naval Station Norfolk’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, which maintains and repairs ships. He performs safety inspections not just on base but also at other military locations and private shipyards.

Fleming cites a long list of potential hazards, especially fires from welding and other “hot work.” Confined areas also pose dangers, such as falling from heights and oxygen deficiency.

“We want to make sure that all spaces throughout the vessel are safe for entry and work,” said Vince, who lives in Chesapeake. “My primary goal is to identify hazards, control them and get the repairs back on track.”

Jade (M.Ed. ’13) worked for eight years as a third-grade teacher, assistant principal and principal-in-residence at a charter elementary school in Washington, D.C. She returned to Hampton Roads in 2022 as assistant principal at Monroe Elementary in Norfolk “to apply some of the things I learned in a different space.”

Among Jade’s first-year successes: Encouraging the use of online tools and helping create a “social-emotional wellness program,” which trains students to manage their emotions and advocate for themselves. That led to a significant decline in suspension referrals for fighting.

“What gives me satisfaction is knowing that I’ve partnered with families to reach the goals they’ve set for their kids and that I’ve helped our scholars grow into the type of person they’d like to be,” Jade said.

Both Flemings praise their education at ODU. “The teachers were very supportive and very, very smart,” said Jade, who lives in Norfolk. Vince, who received a master’s in occupational health, said, “ODU was critical in putting us where we wanted to be.”

Each also speaks highly of the other. “I’m proud of her intelligence and skills,” Vince said, “but most importantly for the care and sincerity she has for the kids.”

“I love that my dad is uniquely himself in all areas of his life – his job and his family,” Jade said. “He’s always ready for the challenge, whatever it may be.”

Plus, he never stops thinking about safety. He even gives fire extinguishers as Christmas gifts.