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Olivia Smith, a Stephen F. Austin State University junior from Angleton pursuing a Bachelor of Music in music education, was recently surprised with a celebration naming her the first recipient of the Texas Music Educators Association’s newly endowed Robert Floyd Scholarship for Music Education. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Claire Murphy, music education coordinator; Smith; Dr. J.D. Salas, interim director of the School of Music; and Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts.
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Faculty, staff and music education students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts gathered in Cole Concert Hall last week for a surprise announcement honoring Olivia Smith, a junior Bachelor of Music student from Angleton, as the first recipient of the Texas Music Educators Association’s newly endowed Robert Floyd Scholarship for Music Education.
“Recognizing the great work and achievements of our students is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” said Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts. “Today, we spotlight Olivia Smith, an SFA student who has earned statewide recognition as the first recipient of the Robert Floyd Scholarship for Music Education, a tribute to Robert Floyd’s profound impact on music education.”
Smith’s selection for this prestigious honor reflects her talent, commitment and promise as a future music educator. She will be formally recognized at the 2025 TMEA Conference General Session, one of the largest music educators’ conferences in the country, which hosts more than 30,000 attendees.
Awarded to one music education student in Texas each year, this new scholarship was established in 2024 to honor Robert Floyd for his 31 years of leadership with TMEA. His remarkable contributions to music education led the association to become a national leader in advocating for fine arts education. The scholarship created in Floyd’s name awards $4,000 annually to an undergraduate music education student and is valued at up to $16,000 over the course of their degree.
In its inaugural year, the scholarship attracted nearly 100 applicants, underscoring its prestige. Smith’s exceptional academic and musical achievements, along with her dedication to music education, distinguished her as the first recipient. The speakers praised her outstanding credentials and her potential as a future leader in the field.
“Olivia’s exceptional academic and musical achievements, combined with her dedication to music education, made her stand out as the inaugural recipient,” said Dr. JD Salas, interim director of the School of Music.
At the event’s conclusion, Dr. Claire Murphy, music education coordinator, emphasized to students the importance of showcasing their accomplishments and dedication to music education.
“This scholarship is a testament to the outstanding education provided by our faculty members and the incredible dedication of students like Olivia,” Murphy said.
To learn more about SFA’s School of Music, visit sfasu.edu/music.
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