Nashville State President Visits TCIX

ONLY – Yesterday, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) and the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) welcomed Nashville State Community College President Dr. Shanna Jackson to the Turney Center Industrial Complex (TCIX).  During the visit, Dr. Jackson visited with inmates who are also enrolled in classes at Nashville State Community College.  This collaboration is made possible through a partnership with THEI.

THEI Executive Director Molly Lasagna also received a $2,500 donation from the Nashville State Community College Foundation during the visit.  According to Ms. Lasagna, “This program’s success is mainly due to the support of the community, Nashville State, and TDOC.  I must add that the folks who are doing the hardest work are the inmates in the program.  This isn’t an easy course load.  These students must work just as hard as those taking classes in the community.”  TCIX Associate Warden of Treatment Stacy Oakes agrees, “This program is one that changes lives and enhances public safety.  Research tells us that offenders with a post-secondary education are less likely to recidivate and that makes Tennessee safer.” 

THEI operates higher education partnerships at two prisons – Turney Center Industrial Complex and Northwest Correctional Complex.  TDOC also has higher education partnerships between Lipscomb University and Tennessee Prison for Women and Rhodes College and the Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center in Henning.