Fortune Feimster

From Miss Peace to Netflix Star

FORTUNE FEIMSTER By Alexa Scattaregia

In April, I had the opportunity to sit down with Peace Alumna Emily “Fortune” Feimster ’02 to learn more about her exciting life as a comedian and her time at Peace. Meeting with the booming Netflix star was thrilling not only because she is hysterically funny but also because she is such a fantastic example of a successful Peace graduate. In the short time we talked, I was elated to hear that she holds Peace in high regard and astonished by how humble she remains in her accomplishments. Plus, I happen to be a big fan.

I really loved my time at Peace, and I am so glad that it was the place I got to go to college. It ended up being one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

Fortune Feimster, ’02 The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed Fortune Feimster down. Over the past year, the comedian and actress has appeared in more than five movies and has produced her own Netflix comedy special: “Sweet & Salty.” So how does a communication major from Belmont, N.C. go from Peace College to Netflix superstar?

Emily “Fortune” Feimster grew up in North Carolina. A self-proclaimed tomboy, she had the typical southern life growing up in Belmont: going to school and after-school activities during the week and going to church on Sundays. In her Netflix special, “Sweet & Salty,” Fortune hilariously recounts her time in the Girl Scouts, swim team, and as a debutante. She also throws in a mention or two of her alma mater, Peace College.

In 1998, she left home to study communications on an academic scholarship at Peace College. That decision changed everything for Feimster – although not in the way one might expect. After getting over the typical freshman jitters, Fortune crushed her college experience. By her senior year, she was president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and captain of the Division III tennis and soccer teams, and she had the highest GPA of any school athlete. She graduated summa cum laude and was the student speaker at the 2002 commencement ceremony.

Her commencement speech at Peace College ultimately projected her career. After receiving a standing ovation, she hit it off with the ceremony’s keynote speaker – actress Emily Procter, a Raleigh native, known for her roles in the "West Wing" and "CSI: Miami." That same

summer, she nannied for a local mom, who by com-plete coincidence turned out to be Procter’s best friend. She recognized Feimster from her speech because she was in the audience that day. Feimster ended up reconnecting with Procter, and after taking a year to live in Spain, she moved to Los Angeles to become the actress’ personal assistant.

When Fortune recounted her time as Procter’s assistant, she laughed and said, “I was such a terrible assistant, but it all worked out.” Her commencement speech continued to create quite the buzz. During her time as Procter’s assistant, Procter mentioned to her neighbor how well Fortune’s commencement speech was written. After reading the speech, Fortune was offered a job as an entertainment reporter. For the next six years, Fortune would interview celebrities on the red carpet.

Those six years were a defining time in Fortune’s life. She officially adopted “Fortune,” her grandmother’s maiden name, as her stage name; she watched a Lifetime movie and came out, which she hilariously shares in her Netflix special; and she started working with an improv group called the Groundlings. Improv led her to her stand-up career, where she eventually worked with Chelsea Handler and Mindy Kaling.

Currently, Fortune’s name is everywhere. After “Sweet & Salty” premiered on Netflix in January 2020, Fortune has been featured in Lionsgate’s “Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar” and Netflix’s “Yes Day," and “Friendsgiving”. She is also a series regular on NBC’s “Kennan” and “The Netflix Afterparty” with David Spade. In addition, Fortune voices multiple characters on Fox’s “Bless the Harts”.

The pandemic has been good to her booming acting career and to her love life: Feimster married Jacquelyn Smith in a small ceremony in October. The actress stated that she and her wife, Jax, had a “pandemic wedding,” where they eloped in a courthouse in Los Angeles and “Zoomed” their family members. Throughout the pandemic, she also has taken to social media with her various characters, most notably Brenda, southern housewife to husband, Tim.

Fortune shared that she has received a lot of love and support from the Peace community. She sees Peace girls at almost all of her stand-up shows and stays connected with her college friends on Facebook. Although she hasn’t been able to return to N.C. or the WPU campus due to her busy schedule and the pandemic, Fortune virtually attended this year’s Alumni Weekend to accept the prestigious Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, which recognizes a graduate over 35 for significant accomplishments in career, community, and family. When asked about the award, she joked, “It is so nice to be recognized this way, but I can’t believe that I have gotten old enough to have accomplishments.”

Fortune is an incredibly accomplished actress, writer, and comedian. She most recently received a Critics Choice Award nomination for her Netflix special. Whenever she is on the screen, she steals the show with her hilarious one-liners and general comedic genius. “It's incredible to try to make people laugh; there are not many jobs where you can try to make people laugh and feel happy. Hopefully, I get to do this for a bit.” she said.

Partnership CAMPBELL

WPU and Campbell Law School have partnered to create an accelerated dual-degree option for students seeking to earn undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees. Under the 3+3 accelerated dual degree program, WPU students can earn an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor from Campbell Law in six years rather than seven, saving time and money.

We are so excited about this partnership with Campbell Law School to establish the 3 + 3 program. We have numerous students interested in pursuing legal studies beyond William Peace University each year, and this new relationship provides an accelerated pathway to law school for our outstanding students - right here in Raleigh

Dr. Brian C. Ralph

WPU President Dr. Brian C. Ralph and Campbell Law Dean J. Rich Leonard. A student enrolled in the 3+3 program will spend three years at WPU, completing general education requirements and their major coursework. In their fourth year, the student will begin study at Campbell Law, and the credits earned during that year will complete their undergraduate degree while counting towards the law degree. Students can continue to live on campus at WPU during this fourth year.

WPU students majoring in criminal justice, political science and pre-law could enroll in the 3+3 program. “This is a unique pathway for the top William Peace University students to focus on law school early in their collegiate careers,” said Campbell Law Dean J. Rich Leonard.

WPU has a proven track record of preparing students for success in law school, according to Elizabeth Kusko, associate professor of political science and program director for criminal justice, political science, and WPU pre-law advisor. “We are thrilled with the William Peace University and Campbell University Law School articulation agreement. Throughout my time here, I have seen many WPU students excitedly apply to Campbell Law, attracted to their outstanding and nationally recognized program and also to the familiar, downtown Raleigh location. To be able to complete both a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to navigating this journey with future WPU and Campbell graduates and lawyers.”

William Peace University and Campbell Law School share many characteristics that make this partnership attractive to students. Both institutions offer small class sizes and supportive faculty, along with all the benefits of their location in the heart of North Carolina’s capital city.

Partnership WAKE TECH

Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) and William Peace University are proud to announce a new academic partnership. The new initiative offers a simplified transfer process for graduates of Wake Tech’s Associate in Applied Science programs in business administration, business analytics, criminal justice technology, health and fitness science, and simulation and game development who wish to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in corresponding programs at William Peace University.

In addition to degree credit transfer, WTCC graduates entering WPU under this agreement may take additional general education courses at Wake Tech and transfer those to WPU. This will allow for a lower cost to complete the baccalaureate degree and, depending on the student’s schedule, could shorten the time to graduation.

Dr. Scott Ralls, President Wake Technical Community College The Associate in Applied Science pathways, along with routes under the statewide compre-hensive articulation agreement, allow students to achieve their career aspirations and are part of a continued commitment by both institutions to foster supportive programs that enhance educational opportunities.

“We are proud to once again partner with Wake Technical Community College,” said Dr. Brian C. Ralph, president of WPU. “It is one of the finest community colleges in the country, and their graduates have proven to be excellent students here at William Peace University as they pursue their bachelor’s degree. This new collaborative agreement is on student success and helping talented Wake Tech Community College graduates take the next step on their educational journey.”

Under this initiative, WPU will seamlessly transfer a graduate’s credits from their A.A.S. and from additional general education. “We’re thrilled about this newly revised articulation agreement with William Peace University,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “In addition to degree credit transfer, WTCC graduates entering WPU under this agreement may take additional general education courses at Wake Tech and transfer those to WPU. This will allow for a lower cost to complete the baccalaureate degree and, depending on the student’s schedule, could shorten the time to graduation.”

As part of its commitment to WTCC students, WPU has also established the William Peace Pathways scholarship to encourage and reward Wake Tech graduates who intend to pursue their bachelor’s degree at the University. This scholarship enhances the transfer process for these students and enables them to receive up to $19,000 in funding based on academic achievements. “We are excited to welcome as well as support them with our William Peace Pathways scholarship, which is exclusively for Wake Tech graduates,” emphasized Dr. Ralph.

Partnership TRIANGLE YMCA

WPU has created the Y Leadership and Community Service Award scholarship available to YMCA youth development staff. This annual $2,000 scholarship renewable for up to four years, in addition to any academic merit-based awards and is open to first-year and transfer students.

William Peace University and the YMCA of the Triangle have developed a collaborative partnership to support our local community’s youth to foster better awareness and support of higher educational outcomes. Together these organizations will provide workshops and projects that provide guidance and education on:

Financial Aid

Applying for college

Navigating the research process of electing the best fit

Scholarship opportunities

“We are excited to partner with the YMCA of the Triangle through the creation of the Y Leadership and Community Service Award, as well as to offer college search and financial aid information services to those engaged with the Y,” said Dr. Brian Ralph. “WPU is committed to the community and believes the YMCA is the perfect partner to deepen our impact. Our focus on students has always been our top priority, and to expand these resources and services to others is invaluable.” WPU has a proven track record of providing outstanding immersive learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds and investing in students who have big dreams and want a university to help them achieve those dreams. The University's Believe in Peace Strategic Plan highlights four key areas of focus:

Immersive learning

Innovative partnerships

Strategic growth

Distinctive identity

WPU continues to explore innovative partnerships, including this one with the YMCA, to serve the community and beyond. The YMCA of the Triangle is the region’s largest provider of youth programming, and one of its areas of impact is youth development. The Y nurtures every child and teen’s potential by supporting their unique youth development journey through programming like YMCA Leaders Club, Lightner Y Achievers and YMCA Youth and Government. From cradle to career, the Y provides all youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. “We’re excited about this new partnership with William Peace University,” said Kate Gross, senior director of teen programs for the YMCA of the Triangle. “Our commitment to youth and teens in the Triangle fits perfectly with WPU’s efforts in supporting higher education and we can’t wait to see the impact we can have together.”

The partnership will serve YMCA camp counselors and their families and impact the Raleigh community through the planned programs, workshops and scholarships.