As the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina prepares to open submissions for the 2026 M. Paulson Scholarship we are proud to recognize 2025 recipient Chloe Hammonds

As the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina prepares to open submissions for the 2026 Michael Olof Paulson Scholarship on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, we are proud to recognize the impact this scholarship has already made for the first 6 recipients who received $5,000 scholarships in memory of Michael Olof Paulson. Chloe Hammonds, one of the 2025 recipients, is currently enrolled at NC State University, where she is a junior double-majoring in Psychology and Criminology. Chloe says the Michael Paulson Scholarship has been more than simply financial support. “It has been an encouragement to press on, a reminder that I have people believing in me, and a carved path toward achieving my long-term goals. With this scholarship, I was able to dive deeply into my academics and extracurriculars without the stress of financial worry. More than that, I was able to attend classes each day knowing I was representing a great cause. Learning about Mr. Paulson's love for education touched my heart because I too am an advocate for education and the opportunities it provides. This scholarship meant that I will honor Mr. Paulson's legacy by being grateful for his generosity and one day returning to my community to use my knowledge for the betterment of our tribe."

A proud member of the Lumbee Tribe from Lumberton, NC, Chloe is involved in numerous organizations and initiatives, including serving as a Burnt Swamp Baptist Association intern through the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program and participating in a community-based research lab with Raleigh Rescue Mission.

At NC State, she is a research assistant with the Law and Development Lab and is an active member of the Psychology Club, where she serves as the Publicity Officer, the Native American Student Association (NASA), and the Criminology Club. Outside of academics, Chloe is an active member of Delight Ministries and Providence Church Life Group, and she enjoys reading, vlogging, freelance makeup, and leading a girls Bible Study. Chloe is a Shelton Scholar who aspires to become a forensic psychologist or investigator, potentially serving with the FBI or SBI. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a master's degree in psychology or attending law school, with a particular interest in graduate studies in forensic psychology. She hopes to expand mental health resources in rural and underserved communities and is passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and the justice system, destigmatizing mental illness, and creating safer, better-equipped communities. We look forward to seeing all that Chloe will achieve as she continues her educational journey.

Congratulations, Chloe! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your education are something to be proud of.

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