Thadford Dickerson and Paula Schuman Scholar Award

This scholarship honors the lives and legacies of Thadford Dickerson, Sr. and Dr. Paula Schuman, beloved parents of Temel Dickerson and Dr. Nadja Vielot.

As one of the first black Fire Chiefs in the south, Chief Dickerson helped all in need through partnerships both personal and professional. During his three decades in public service, he grew the Lexington, North Carolina Fire Department breaking ground on new fire stations, upgrading equipment and promoting equitable hiring practices. Chief Dickerson’s example extended from keeping the community safe to leading the charge for diversity and excellence.

Dr. Schuman practiced general medicine for several years in her native Detroit, Michigan, but made a career shift after the HIV/AIDS crisis ravaged young, poor, and black communities in the city. She studied infectious diseases and public health, leading her to direct the city’s first HIV clinic in the early 1990s. She dedicated the rest of her life to treating patients and conducting research on HIV treatment strategies in the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.

Carrying on their late parents’ legacies by engaging in health care practice and research, Temel and Nadja are excited to support the next generation of public service professionals and health care workers who embody the same values of community, outreach, and service that their parents instilled in them. 

Any first-generation, low-income undergraduate student in North Carolina who is pursuing a career in public service (healthcare, public health, first-responding, safety, etc.) may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about a creative solution you think would solve a pervasive health or social issue problem in your community.