Reaching New Heights in SADAH

"I would never have believed I could have my work published at 20 years old," Abby Wiggins shares. The JMU Research Journal accepted Abby's research for publication in their next volume. Abby's paper, Polished Memories: Zhang Xiaogang’s Bloodline: Big Family No. 3 and the Ideal Family of the Cultural Revolution, explores a painting by a Chinese artist who grew up during the Cultural Revolution. Being a published researcher, art historian and artist are just some ways that Abby is reaching new heights at JMU.

Abby is a Junior from Leesburg, Virginia. Starting college during the pandemic is less than ideal, yet the Art History/Studio Art double major is making the most of her time at JMU. Whether Abby is working in the printmaking studio or studying in the Art History suite, her passion for the arts does not go unnoticed. Abby is involved in Kappa Pi, the honorary Arts fraternity, as their marketing chair. She also works in Student Affairs Communications and Marketing as a gallery director in the Union. Abby points to the SADAH community as part of her success, "I feel incredibly supported by faculty and my classmates."

SADAH faculty awarded Abby the Crystal J. Theodore Service and Scholarship Award for the 2022-23 academic year. "Being selected for this scholarship has affirmed that I am on the right path," Abby explains. "Receiving this scholarship has definitely encouraged me to keep working hard and pursuing my passions." Faculty award the Crystal Theodore Award to a current student in the School of Art, Design and Art History who has participated in service and maintained high academics.

Abby and many other students continue to reach new heights everyday at JMU. Consider giving to the College of Visual and Performing Arts and open doors for JMU Arts students.