Dean's Circle

Continuing the celebration, meet Natalie Ramirez

Natalie is a filmmaker with a strong eye for visual storytelling and a passion for directing. Whether she’s leading a set, shaping a narrative or connecting creatives, her work is rooted in collaboration and intention.

She’s not just building films—she’s building community, creating spaces for others to come together and bring stories to life.

2024 Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts Dean’s Awards

Bria Collums
Ms. Collums, a junior art (filmmaking) major from Jacinto City, received the Ruth Buzzi Honorary Dean’s Award in Filmmaking. She transferred from San Jacinto Community College to SFA in the fall of 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in filmmaking. She has always had a passion for the art of filmmaking and a desire to bring her creative visions to life. Her love for the fine arts started when she became a stage manager in her high school's theatre program. She is currently working on her latest short film "These Four Walls," which she wrote, directed and edited. The inspiration for her works involves real-world experiences to which she believes those around her can relate. Since joining SFA's filmmaking program, she has met and had the pleasure of working with so many amazing and creative people, and she is looking forward to working on the upcoming summer feature film.

2024 Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts Dean’s Awards

Bria Collums
Ms. Collums, a junior art (filmmaking) major from Jacinto City, received the Ruth Buzzi Honorary Dean’s Award in Filmmaking. She transferred from San Jacinto Community College to SFA in the fall of 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in filmmaking. She has always had a passion for the art of filmmaking and a desire to bring her creative visions to life. Her love for the fine arts started when she became a stage manager in her high school's theatre program. She is currently working on her latest short film "These Four Walls," which she wrote, directed and edited. The inspiration for her works involve real-world experiences to which she believes those around her can relate. Since joining SFA's filmmaking program, she has met and had the pleasure of working with so many amazing and creative people, and she is looking forward to working on the upcoming summer feature film.

2024 Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts Dean’s Awards

Cameron Phillips
Mr. Phillips, junior music education major from Katy, received the John N. and Margaret Staley Scholarship in Fine Arts. Cameron found his passion for music education in his early high school years, and SFA had always been his school of choice. He studies voice under Dr. Scott LaGraff and music education under Drs. Claire and Michael Murphy. He is a member of the A Ca****la Choir and Chamber Singers and performed the role of “Sam Kaplan” in the 2024 SFA opera production of “Street Scene.” He was a member of the SFA Singin’ Axes and sang the role of “Morales” in SFA’s 2023 production of Bizet’s “Carmen.” Cameron has maintained an Academic Excellence scholarship for three years and appeared multiple times on the Dean's List. He is a choral scholarship recipient in the School of Music and is a member of the Texas Choral Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. He plans to teach in Houston-area public schools and hopes to earn a master’s degree in choral conducting.

2024 Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts Dean’s Awards

Zoie Dorn, junior theatre education major from Keller, received the George and Peggy Schmidbauer Dean’s Award in Theatre. Her acting credits include Ellen in “The Actor’s Nightmare,” Shanti in “The Jungle Book KIDS,” Chorus 3 in “The Yellow Boat,” Elaine in “Now We’re Really Getting Somewhere,” Susan in “Emily/Emily,” and 1st Actress in “A Cheever Evening.” Her technical show credits include sound board operator in “Our Town,” wardrobe crew in “Women Who Weave,” stage manager/assistant director in “Mustard,” director of “The Book of Will," assistant choreographer in “The Jungle Book KIDS,” and wardrobe crew head for “Moon Over Buffalo.” She has been active in On Display Devised, Crescendo and APO theatre organizations. She plans to teach high school theatre and establish a Partners in Theatre program for Special Education students.

2024 Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts Dean’s Awards

Mikaela Settle
Ms. Settle, junior choral music major from Mansfield, received the Dr. Robert G. Sidnell Dean’s Award in Music Education. She has been active in various musical organizations including the Kantorei Choir and A Ca****la Choir, as well as performing in the chorus for the 2023 opera theater production of Georges Bizet's "Carmen.” Mikaela performed the role of Olga Olsen in the 2024 production of Kurt Weill's "Street Scene.” She is a recipient of the Academic Excellence Award, choral scholarships, housing scholarships, designation as a BNSF Railway Foundation Scholar and has been on the President's List. After graduation, she plans to teach choir in Texas public schools before pursuing further education, eventually teaching at the collegiate level.