The scholarship fuels the goals and dreams of marketing students

Sloane Pardue is a rising student.

Marketing major from Marilyn Davies College of Business at the University of Houston-Downtown currently works full-time in product marketing for an education technology company, maintains a family life and volunteers for several organizations .

By the way, she is also the recipient of a major scholarship.

Pardue received the $5,000 scholarship from the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston at a recent awards luncheon sponsored by the American Advertising Federation.

“Of all the applications received by the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, it was such a humble honor to be selected by the Board of Trustees for such a generous scholarship,” she said. “This scholarship will help me graduate on time by allowing me to take additional courses during the fall and spring semesters.”

The non-traditional student returned to college at UHD when she moved to Houston six years ago and landed a job as a marketing manager serving four Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the Houston area. She was recently offered an opportunity in March and accepted a new position at Coding Dojo, an education technology company.

“What I’m learning at UHD is helping me become a leader in technology to provide more opportunities for women and those in underserved communities,” Pardue said. “I love marketing because it involves the beauty of creative, analytical storytelling with the power to bring people together.”

Drew Ellis, owner/operator of two Chick-Fil-A franchises in the Houston area, noticed Pardue’s talent during his six years overseeing marketing efforts at four restaurants.

“Sloane was a valuable member of our team and helped us grow our marketing presence along the Interstate 10 corridor, and she built a strong online presence. She was an enthusiastic builder of our brand and the teams at our restaurants,” Ellis said.

Dr. Lucille Pointer, professor of UHD marketing, is impressed with Pardue’s drive and talents. “Slone is very energetic, creative and talented,” Pointer said. “She’s already doing great things, and with the knowledge she’s gained on her way to graduation, the sky’s the limit for her.”

Pardue will go through the graduation stage in 2023.

“It will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life,” she said. “The day I graduate, I will finally cross the finish line of the marathon I ran. It will mean perseverance, joy and hope to keep doing great things.