Impacting the SC Department of Corrections with the message of Christ

This was not your typical university commencement ceremony, starting with location — within the razor-wire fences of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC).

Also, not typical, at front of the room where the ceremonies were held, was a table resembling a church altar. On it was a cross, a stack of diplomas and a Bible opened to Matthew 28. 

The diplomas were for 15th cohort of student inmates enrolled in the Columbia International University Prison Initiative program at the Kirkland Correctional Institution in Columbia, located directly across the Broad River from CIU’s main campus. CIU President Dr. Bill Jones conferred Associate of Arts degrees on 13 graduates. Five others, who had already graduated from earlier cohorts, earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. Graduates of the program are assigned as chaplain’s assistants at South Carolina correctional institutions around the state. 

Fittingly, the Bible on the make-shift altar was opened to Matthew 28, which ends with The Great Commission:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

CIU Prison Initiative Director Dr. Andre Melvin opened the commencement on that theme. 

“We have educated these students from a biblical worldview so that they will impact SCDC and the world with the message of Christ,” Melvin said. 

Since its inception in 2007, 201 men and women have graduated from the donor-funded program, serving in 21 institutions with a recidivism rate among graduates of only 5%.

Among the Class of 2024 was 74-year-old Rusty (last names withheld), one of the oldest inmates to graduate from the program. 

“At my age, being able to attend college and seek out an Associate of Arts degree was a blessing that I did not deserve,” Rusty told local reporters at the event. “But I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate it very much. I’m very grateful to the donors and the people who support this ministry.”

Another inmate who lost his mother to a violent murder over a decade ago told WACH FOX 57 that he had been feeling hopeless and defeated in prison. 

“I felt like I had ruined my whole life.” But as his name was called at the ceremony to receive his degree, his emotions were very different. “I accomplished something positive for the first time in my life,” he said.  

Sandra Campbell, the mother of one graduate, expressed pride in her son’s achievement. 

“I believe my son is going to get a second chance. With God on his side and us behind him, he will succeed.” 

SCDC Director Bryan Stirling says "graduates of the CIU Prison Initiative step forward every day and make a difference in the lives of their fellow inmates."

“We are fortunate to be able to offer this degree program at no cost to taxpayers through our continued partnership with CIU,” Stirling said in a news release. 

See local TV coverage of the commencement from WACH FOX 57, News 19 WLTX and WIS 10. 

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.