About Netta Jackson

Netta and John Simek made their home in Bryan and became involved in the community immediately after their marriage in 1992. Netta served The Arts Center  of the Brazos Valley’s Board of Directors in many capacities; this included serving as President and orchestrated several of our signature fundraising events. Together, Netta and John enthusiastically participated in, and were integral to, successful and major events for MSC OPAS, The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley, The Arts Center of the Brazos Valley, and many others. Even when health did not permit her a more intense involvement, Netta, with John always by her side, continued to attend community arts events, showing her heartfelt support.

In November 2015 and August 2016, the community lost both Netta and John, two of our most ardent arts supporters. The arts community in the Brazos Valley was greatly enhanced by the Simek’s’ philanthropy and active support. Brazos Valley and the community were deeply saddened by their passing. The Simek’s truly loved the arts; Netta was particularly passionate about empowering and encouraging young women to take on leadership roles in the field. After Netta’s passing in November, John approached The Arts Center with a generous leadership gift to perpetuate Netta’s work in positively impacting the lives of women in our community. A new scholarship in her honor was established in July.
In memory of the Simek’s dedication and lasting impact on the arts in the Brazos Valley, The Arts Center is honored to be the home of the Netta Jackson Simek Emerging Artist Scholarship. This scholarship has been awarded annually to one innovative young woman student since May of 2017.

2024 Recipient

Madison Jackson – Architecture

2023 Recipient

Jazmin Bazan – Visualization

2022 Recipient

Penelope Morris – Technical Theatre