The United States Disciplinary Barracks hosted a post-secondary commencement ceremony for students who earned college degrees from multiple colleges and universities Aug. 2 in the USDB visitation room on Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Under U.S. Code Title 10, the Army provides for the education, training, rehabilitation and welfare of offenders confined at the USDB. The motto of the USDB is “Our Mission – Your Future.” The USDB prepares inmates to return to society as productive citizens.
The visitation room was filled with USDB staff, graduating students, family members of the graduating students, presidents, vice presidents, deans, board of trustees and administrative individuals from five different academic institutions.
USDB Commandant Col. Doug Curtis addressed the nearly 20 students earning degrees.
“Your success today is a powerful testament to your commitment to personal growth and your determination to shape a brighter future,” he said.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the families whose unwavering support, encouragement and belief have been crucial throughout the journey. He extended sincere thanks and gratitude to the educational institutions that have embraced the mission of providing education to the inmates. Their efforts contribute to the inmates’ personal growth and to the broader goal of rehabilitation and reintegration.
Overall, four students graduated Magna Cum Laude and four Cum Laude.
The Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) had the largest graduation class with eleven students earning associate degrees in digital imaging design and liberal arts.
Dr. Greg Mosier, president of KCKCC told the graduates that they were all assembled to celebrate their successes.
“Not only your success of meeting the program requirements so you may accept the degree you’re about to receive, but also our earlier success in first making the decision to pursue or continue your education,” he said. “In fact, only approximately one third of all adults aged 25 and above in the United States have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and only about 45 percent have at least a two-year degree.”
Four students graduated from Upper Iowa University earning one associate of arts degree and three bachelor of science degrees in business administration. Three graduates also earned their associate degree with KCKCC.
Cynthia Bentley, assistant vice president for U.S. Center Operation for Upper Iowa University, thanked the USDB staff for their daily contributions to education, noting that the graduation would not be possible without their support.
To the graduates, she said, “Each of you (has) faced significant challenges, but you chose to rise above them. You have demonstrated that your past does not define your future and that every day is an opportunity for growth and change.”
Jim Bullington, Adams State University Prison Education Program coordinator, traveled from Colorado to confer the degrees to the three students graduating from Adams State University — one earning an associate of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies and three others earning bachelor of science degrees in business administration.
USDB Correctional Programs Director Chiquita Hudson, on the behalf of Missouri Western State University, presented one student with a bachelor of science degree in psychology, and on behalf of California Coast University, she presented a master of arts degree in organizational leadership to the remaining student.
The USDB Academic Division of Supervisory Education Services Specialist Dr. Rebecca Everley and Education Services Specialist Garet Kraft were recognized and thanked for their untiring efforts in making education part of the inmates’ rehabilitation journey. They are responsible for assisting the inmates in developing academic plans, coordinating the class schedule with numerous colleges and universities, and assisting in second-chance Pell Grant applications. The USDB Academic Division strives for building a future for the incarcerated, their families and communities to help reduce recidivism.
Social Sharing