NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – A Stephen F. Austin State University music student has won the first ever Robert Floyd Scholarship for Music Education.
SFA students and staff gathered at the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts last week to surprise student Olivia Smith with the $16,000 scholarship from the Texas Music Educators Association.
“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.”
The scholarship was started in 2024 and is only awarded to one talented music education student throughout all of Texas. Smith will get $4,000 every year for the entire four years of her degree.
Nearly 100 applicants applied to the scholarship but only Smith was selected because of her exceptional musical and educational achievements.
“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.
To learn more, visit SFA’s School of Music online.
