FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University National Art Education Association (NAEA) student chapter recently finished third in competition for the Retired Art Educators Association (RAEA) Outstanding Student Chapter Award among North American universities.

The award recognizes dedication to the development of future professional members. FMU finished behind Purdue and Brigham Young universities. Other nominees for the award were the University of Florida, Winthrop University, West Virginia University, and the University of Tulsa.

The Francis Marion University NAEA student chapter is made up of 35 members and is active on a number of levels, including fund raising and advocacy. Student chapter members also attend the South Carolina Art Education conference on a yearly basis.

The current officers of the student chapter are Travis Allen of Florence, president; Krystal Gause of Florence, vice-president; and Beth Parker of Smyrna, Tenn., secretary.

With more than 22,000 members, the National Art Education Association is an organization dedicated to promoting art education in North America.

#105 / 2-13-04