Northwest Correctional Complex celebrates 257 graduates
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION:
Northwest Correctional Complex celebrates 257 graduates
Tiptonville, Tenn. – The Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) marked a milestone last month as 257 incarcerated men graduated from education and job training programs. Over the course of a week, ceremonies brought together families, instructors, and college partners to recognize achievements and the work of preparing for life beyond incarceration.
In collaboration with Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), graduates received industry-recognized credentials designed to open doors to employment. Among those honored, 15 earned associate degrees from DSCC, 18 completed TCAT vocational certifications, and 224 finished Adult Basic Education or Career Technical Education courses offered through the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC).
“Reentry does not begin when someone is released,” said TDOC Assistant Commissioner Gail Fenkell. “It begins while they are still incarcerated. These graduations reflect the Department’s commitment to helping individuals build a path toward a positive future.”
At the DSCC-hosted ceremony, guest speaker Sean Pica, President of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, shared his journey from incarceration to advocacy. “I was 16 when I went to prison. I didn’t know if I’d survive a week,” he told the graduates and family members. “But education, mentorship, and the belief that we are more than our worst mistake – that saved me. That’s what you’re providing right now. You’re not just earning a degree but reclaiming your future.”
TDOC’s education system, accredited by the Tennessee Department of Education, offers a full spectrum of programs, ranging from high school equivalency and vocational training to post-secondary degrees, through partnerships with colleges and universities across the state. These efforts are part of TDOC’s mission to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation and skill-building.
“These men didn’t just complete coursework – they committed to changing their futures,” said Ronnie Lanier, principal at NWCX. “Education inside our facilities equips individuals with tools to succeed, and these graduates are proving that every day.”
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