Dyersburg, Tennessee – Dyersburg State Community College announces the successful graduation of ten students from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary and Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center. This year’s ceremonies, witnessed the awarding of Associate Degrees from DSCC, marking a significant achievement in the students’ educational journeys.
Among those recognized, three WTSP students and seven WTRC students received associate degrees. Four graduates have been released and are actively pursuing their final work outside the correctional system. DSCC is set to hold another graduation ceremony in October at Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville.
“Education is a powerful instrument to improve lives and outcomes and significantly reduces recidivism,” said DSCC President Dr. Scott Cook. “I believe deeply in the transformative power of a community college, and I am intensely proud of Dyersburg State’s commitment to educational access and changing lives through our prison education program.”
The statistics speak volumes, while nationwide recidivism rates hover around 68%, DSCC’s student recidivism rates remain impressively low at just 1%. This remarkable achievement underscores the vital role education plays in nurturing successful reintegration into society.
Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link, delivered an inspiring address at both graduations. Having experienced incarceration himself, Pica emphasized the transformative power of education and commended the graduates for their perseverance in pursuing degrees under challenging conditions. His journey, which includes obtaining a GED, a Bachelor’s, and a Master’s while founding a nonprofit, is a beacon of hope for those seeking change.
DSCC representatives, including Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Jimmy Barham, Registrar Pat Walker, Chair of the English Department and Associate Professor of Arts and Sciences Andrea Franckowiak, Assistant Professor of English Dr. Steven McClain, and Director of the Correctional Education Initiative Dr. William Northcutt, were in attendance. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in providing inmates with opportunities for higher education.
“The CEI Program provides potential students with the opportunity to decide to pursue a degree with DSCC, transforming their goals, opportunities, and futures,” said Franckowiak. “It doesn’t matter who you used to be; what matters is who you decide to be today.”
Dr. Northcutt also reflected on the graduation experience, stating, “I witnessed the graduation of these students, their pride, their families’ pride at the students’ accomplishments, and their desire to reenter society as productive citizens. It’s great that DSCC supports students in even the most challenging circumstances.”
Dyersburg State Community College remains dedicated to expanding educational access and helping individuals achieve their goals, helping shape a brighter future for graduates and the entire community. For more information about Dyersburg State Community College’s correctional education programs, please contact Dr. William Northcutt, Director of Correctional Education Initiative, at northcutt@dscc.edu or (731)-288-7801.