MID-AMERICA’S ARKANSAS PRISON INITIATIVE INAUGURAL GRADUATING CLASS

Established in 2019, Mid-America’s first prison program, the Arkansas Prison Initiative at the Varner Supermax Unit in Gould, Arkansas, was pleased to present its inaugural commencement exercises on May 12, 2023. Eighteen inmate graduates were awarded a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from The College at MidAmerica.

The event was attended by MidAmerica President, Dr. Mike Spradlin,

Executive Vice President and College Dean, Dr. Brad Thompson, Director of the Varner Prison Initiative, Dr. Mark Thompson, and other Mid-America faculty. A number of Arkansas dignitaries and prison administrators also attended.

Inmates who participate receive an education tailored to equip them to minister to other inmates. As Mid-America students, the exact academic expectations and moral standards of Mid-America apply. Upon graduation, the department of corrections invites eligible inmates to participate as field ministers in the prison system. Tasked with various assignments, the department of corrections uses these field ministers to help promote moral rehabilitation within the prison they serve.