Learn about our members

Professional Associates (PA) is a community of nearly 50 educators, scientists, innovators, business leaders, policymakers, and professionals who bring their real-world experience to support Fort Lewis College. Members share a commitment to strengthening student learning, enriching faculty teaching, and advancing community partnerships across the Four Corners.

Expertise across disciplines

PA members represent seven core areas of expertise:

  • Medicine, public health, and life sciences
  • Engineering, physical sciences, and technology
  • Environmental science and ecology
  • Education, sociology, and community development
  • Arts, communication, and humanities
  • Leadership, strategy, and organizational management
  • Law, policy, and government service

This breadth of knowledge allows PA members to serve as guest lecturers, mentors, advisors, and collaborators—bringing valuable insight to classrooms, academic programs, and community initiatives.

History and purpose

Professional Associates was established in 1999 by President Kendall Blanchard as a strategic advisory group. Since then, its role has expanded to include direct support for students, faculty, and community programming—while maintaining a strong advisory partnership with college leadership.

Meet our members

Each member brings a unique background and perspective to Fort Lewis College. Browse the directory below to explore individual bios, professional experience, and areas of expertise.

Cres Fleming

cresfleming44@gmail.com

Profession: Physical Chemist | Research Management | Consultant

Education:

  • 1966, BS, Chemistry, Colorado College
          • Phi Beta Kappa, Outstanding Chemistry Graduate
  • 1970, PhD, Physical Chemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder

Career Profile

Dr. Cres Fleming had a 30-year career in research at Shell Oil and Royal Dutch Shell in research and managerial positions. He was involved in catalysis, process chemistry, coal chemistry and characterization, block copolymers and analytical chemistry. He later was an internal consultant in research in organizational strategy and change management. After retiring from Shell research in 2000 he consulted Royal Dutch Shell research organizations in the US and The Netherlands.

Key Roles at Shell Research (1970 – 2000)

  • Chemistry to make high octane gasoline components
  • Novel zeolite syntheses
  • Coal liquefaction and upgrading
  • Analytical chemistry research
  • Management responsibilities in research areas of block copolymers and analytical chemistry
  • Led Change Management activities at Shell’s Exploration & Production Research Laboratory
  • Became internal business consultant in E&P Research.
  • Was Change Management Consultant in international Royal Dutch Shell E&P Research in merging US and Dutch Laboratories

After retirement, consulted Royal Dutch Shell Research Companies (Chemicals, E&P and others) 2000-2003

Current Interests & Community Engagement

  • Colorado Railroad History & Memorabilia
    • Published many articles about railroad historical items in national publications such as the Railroadiana Collectors Association Incorporated Express (RCAI Express) and the Colorado Midland Quarterly
    • Collects and restores railroad memorabilia with a special focus on Colorado railroads
  • Have volunteered in many capacities at Fort Lewis College and been a member of the Professional Associates since 2003 including President from 2007-2010. Led the transition of PAs from a Presidential consulting group to an independent organization.
  • Volunteered for 15 years in many activities at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.