GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a ceremony today, members of Oakhill Correctional Institute’s first class of UW-Green Bay bachelor’s degree graduates celebrated their persistence to a degree in Organizational Leadership.
UW–Green Bay is part of the University of Wisconsin Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (UW CHEP) — a statewide partnership coordinated by UW–Madison in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC). UW–Green Bay leads associate degree programming at Oakhill Correctional Institution and is now one of the first Universities of Wisconsin in more than 50 years to graduate incarcerated students with a bachelor’s degree completed inside prison walls. The spring of 1975 was the first instance, when three inmates at the Wisconsin State Reformatory became the first incarcerated learners to earn a degree from a Universities of Wisconsin school.
This work reflects the university’s broader access mission, focused on the unwavering belief that education is a positive force for change. “It is a distinct honor to celebrate the graduates of Oakhill who have persevered amidst challenges to attain their degree,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “This collaborative program within the correctional system is critical for our region and empowers participants with a renewed sense of purpose and positive change for their community, regardless of their current status. It reinforces the power and accessibility of education, inviting everyone to never stop learning.”
Programs are future-focused, supported by dedicated advisors and built on strong community partnerships, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared, but supported holistically from enrollment through reentry. Research has shown that receiving a degree while incarcerated significantly reduces the chances of recidivism.
“I feel like I have a future now,” said one graduate of the program. “This degree means more than just career opportunities, although those opportunities are now sky high! Earning this degree has given me a new perspective about what I want and who I want to be. There’s always been a balance between who I want to be and who I have to be, and for the longest time I’ve done what I needed to. Now, earning this degree, I have the power to actually become the person I want to be. And that is an amazing thing to have finally earned.”
Governor Tony Evers attended the ceremony this afternoon and shared his excitement and pride in what the graduates accomplished. “Wisconsin believes in second chances,” said Gov. Evers in a news release from the Wisconsin DOC. “Investing in education in correctional facilities is a common-sense strategy to meet our economy’s need for skilled workers and to help individuals gain the skills needed to succeed in our communities. But growing beyond one’s past mistakes doesn’t happen by accident. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work these students have done to overcome obstacles and work toward a better life for themselves and their families.”
Another graduate commented on how this degree will help him to be successful in the workforce. “I think that I have been given the tools to become a great leader. This degree has provided me with valuable insights as to the type of leader I want to be not just in general life, but in my ultimate goal of starting and operating a business. I know and understand how to lead them down a road to success as well.”
UW-Green Bay Associate Provost Courtney Sherman was present at the afternoon’s ceremony. “Today was extraordinary, and I continue to be amazed at our students’ courage and resilience in their pursuit of learning,” she said. “UW-Green Bay continues to push on why education is meaningful for everyone, and this collaboration with the Department of Corrections is a great example of how we’re exploring non-traditional pathways to success. Our programs are built to align with workforce needs and community priorities, so our graduates are ready to contribute from day one, regardless of circumstances under which they start their journey with us.”
When asked about how they will make a positive impact moving forward, one graduate had this to say: “I’ve learned how to better communicate and interact with people. How to listen with intent, not just to wait for my turn to talk. I’ve learned skills to better manage my emotions, shifting the attention from me and onto those I’m serving. I’m using the knowledge I’ve earned to find a purpose outside of this institution, intending to help those who are right behind me find success and fulfillment in their communities through reentry support. That mission begins today and will continue every day forward.”
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
