EMU Today

YPSILANTI – To help incarcerated people obtain a solid footing when reintroduced to their communities, Eastern Michigan University has appointed a new director to oversee its College in Prison program, which is set to launch its first bachelor's program at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility. The program aligns with Eastern’s mission to be an institution of opportunity and is the first for a women’s prison in Michigan.

Eastern has a long history of engagement with the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility, offering uncredited courses to incarcerated people since 2008. Before the federal government recently restored Pell eligibility for people who are incarcerated. EMU was granted Second Chance Pell Grant access in 2022. In July 2023, the Michigan legislature approved $250K in funding for Eastern to launch the bachelor program at the facility.

“According to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, there is a 43% reduction in recidivism rates for individuals who participate in prison education programs”, said Decky Alexander, director of Engage@EMU and professor in Communications, Media and Theatre Arts. 

Additionally, “Completing a degree boosts self-esteem for incarcerated students and provides them with fulfilling activities during incarceration,” said Meghan Lechner, director of the College in Prison Program.

The academic program is expected to help people who are incarcerated achieve greater job opportunities and higher earnings when released back into society. Through the program, students can obtain a bachelor’s in general studies with financial aid support, tutoring, and technology, among others. Soon, two additional programs will be offered, including a bachelor’s degree in business and a bachelor's degree designed for students at the correctional facility.

Katherine Wright, a Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility student, believes that education in prison is a stepping stone for individuals preparing to reenter society. “We are more than just inmates, more than our mistakes,” said Wright. “Education is invaluable and pursuing a college degree while incarcerated helps us reinvent ourselves and validate our worth, which is the most valuable lesson to carry forward. Nothing worthwhile is easy and the fact that incarcerated students are held to the same standards as on-campus students sets us up to take risks, set goals, and continue our hunger for knowledge. Discipline, persistence, and support make for future leaders and respectful members of society.”

The program’s education process is also supported with the help of student navigators.

Katie Lane-Waters, a second-year master’s student in EMU’s social work program, is thrilled to help incarcerated people have the opportunity to obtain a college education. “Working as a navigator is fulfilling in all avenues,” said Lane-Waters. “I expect professors, navigators, administrators, and students to collaborate and advocate together to make this new program successful and impactful for the incarcerated students who are joining EMU with the hopes of changing their lives through education.”

Beth Currans, an administrator of the College in Prison program and department head and professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Eastern, has been with the program for multiple years and has witnessed the positive impact of college education on people who are incarcerated  “Our program provides students with opportunities for learning and engagement that transform them and support them in changing their worlds, both inside the walls of Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility and in their communities beyond the prison walls,” said Currans. 

State Representative Felicia Brabec and State Senator Sue Shink advocated for state funding of $250K.  If Governor Whitmer signs the budget approved by the legislature, the funds will support on-site staffing, credits, and supplies such as books and paper for the students. 

For more information, visit the program website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on
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