“Being selected as a scholarship recipient from the Chickasaw Foundation was an honor,” said Dr. Danielle Armelin. “The award was proof that our tribe cares and supports improving ourselves.”

Armelin, a recipient of multiple Chickasaw Foundation scholarships—including the Governor Emeritus Overton James Memorial Scholarship for the fall 2025 semester—graduated in December 2025 with her doctorate in adult education and workforce development from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.

The scholarship funding enabled her to complete her schooling. “The award money helped to continue my education by covering tuition and supplies needed,” Armelin mentioned. “The scholarship money made me feel blessed beyond measure to have tribe members who believe in my success.”

Dr. Armelin provided some advice for prospective students. “My first advice would be: why wouldn’t you apply? Because if you don’t try, how will you ever be a recipient? The Foundation awards an abundance of scholarships, and it starts with you applying.”

Danielle lives in Lake Charles, LA with her husband Jeff and three children, Noah, 13, Jewel, 12, and Liam, 6.