(Leavenworth, Kansas) – The University of Saint Mary celebrated academic achievement,
perseverance, and new beginnings with graduation ceremonies held in September at the
United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) and the Joint Regional Correctional Facility
(JRCF) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
This year's celebrations were particularly significant as JRCF recognized its first
graduating class, marking an important milestone in USM's expanding commitment to
providing higher education opportunities to incarcerated service members. Students
at JRCF received an Associate's in Business Administration and USDB students earned
a Bachelor's in Business Administration - Management.
The Prison Education Program provides rigorous, in-person college instruction delivered
by university faculty, allowing students to work toward meaningful academic and professional
goals while incarcerated.
The inaugural JRCF graduation is especially meaningful because it demonstrates the
success of a growing educational partnership between the University of Saint Mary
and military correctional leadership.
"Rooted in USM's Catholic mission and its commitment to human dignity, the Prison
Education Program recognizes that access to education can foster intellectual development,
personal responsibility, and hope for the future," Prison Education Program Director
Dr. Michelle Workman said. "For the University of Saint Mary, each graduation represents
more than a degree earned. It represents the power of education to create opportunity,
recognize human potential, and open doors to the future."
The university's prison education initiative has expanded significantly in recent
years, providing degree opportunities across federal, state, and military correctional
facilities. These September graduations reflect both the accomplishments of individual
students and the strength of partnerships that make higher education possible in these
settings.
The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM-Johnson County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.