IT Scholarship 2024

Through 48 years of service to the University of Houston-Downtown, visionary Art Professor Floyd Newsum touched thousands of lives, not only as an exceptional art teacher, but also as a mentor, colleague, friend, and tremendous supporter of the university beyond the classroom and into almost every aspect of the life of the greater community.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Professor Newsum graduated from Memphis College of Art with a BFA in 1973 and from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an MFA in 1975. He came of age during the Civil Rights movement and the Black art movements of the 1960s and 1970s, influencing his own personal social justice mission. He was one of the seven founders of Project Row Houses in Third Ward.

During his tenure at UHD, Professor Newsum created a wide range of work, including numerous public art commissions. His work is part of permanent collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Analytics at the University of Houston-Downtown, where I maintain a 4.0 GPA. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), which has provided me with a strong foundation in both computer systems and management principles. To further enhance my skills in Data Analytics and MIS, I have been working on several certifications in areas such as coding, project management, and operations systems. In addition, I am gaining valuable practical experience through my work in the IT project management office, where I continue to build and improve my skills.

My name is Abigail Marron. I am currently an undergraduate Honors student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Spanish-Interpretation. As a former prize-winning artist at the 2024 UHD Student Awards Ceremony, I have had the opportunity to expand my artistic and creative skills by working with the IT Project Management Office. My knowledge on software programming has also improved with the guidance of the IT PMO and IT Business Division. After graduation, I am hoping to take these skills and experience with me in the hopes of using them in the graphic design industry. This scholarship is a steppingstone to accomplish my degree and my desired career in art.

I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in Data Science. Through my hands-on experience working at UHD IT Project Management Office, I have learned many skills of using data visualization and data to solve immersive projects. I am passionate about using data-driven approaches to innovate and solve problems in the tech industry.