Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prisons

Philosophy

The Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison recognizes and supports the rehabilitative power of postsecondary instruction for incarcerated students. As such, the Consortium, and its respective members, strive to provide high quality programs and services to this student population. The Consortium is dedicated to providing high quality and accessible higher education options, successful reentry of returning citizens in Iowa and the restoration of personal dignity and opportunity for incarcerated students. We also recognize the talent and contributions of incarcerated students to institutions of higher learning.

Definition and Purpose

The Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison is a collaborative organization of institutions of higher education, the Iowa Department of Corrections, Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Regents. All colleges and universities offering postsecondary credit and non-credit CTE and academic programs in Iowa correctional facilities will be approved by the Iowa Department of Corrections based on recommendations of the active members in the Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison. The Consortium is designed to:

• establish the process through which postsecondary programs are considered and approved;
• develop governance processes for the Consortium;
• provide high quality educational opportunities;
• share information between member colleges;
• increase articulation of students among the member colleges and universities and correctional institutions;
• urge legislators to continue state and federal financial support;
• identify and/or develop funding sources;
• cultivate constituency relations, and
• work to develop effective DOC policies and procedures for serving incarcerated students.

Participating institutions will maintain the integrity of their separate programs and governance structures. All institutions in the Consortium must maintain accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and be appropriately authorized to operate postsecondary educational programs in the State of Iowa.

Working Groups

Funding – Partnerships – Technology - Student Support - Professional Development

Steering Committee

Des Moines Area Community College

• Joe DeHart, Provost
• Jennie Doke-Kerns, Director, Justice Impacted Communities and Academic Services

Drake University

• Mary Pat Wohlford, Director of Sponsored Programs Administration

Grinnell College

• Emily Guenther, Director of Prison Programs

Iowa Central Community College

• Neale Adams, Dean of Business and Industry
• Abby Underberg, Adult Education and Literacy Director, Corrections Education Director

Iowa Western Community College

• Libby Woods, Director of Adult Education

Kirkwood Community College

• Amanda Humphrey, Interim Dean of Social Sciences

Southeastern Community College

• Deborah Yuskis-Mulch, Director, Adult Education and Literacy

University of Iowa

• Andrew Beckett, Associate Dean

University of Northern Iowa

• Patrick Pease, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs

Iowa Board of Regents

• Rachel Boon, Chief Academic Officer

Iowa Department of Education

• Alex Harris, State Director for Adult Education

Iowa Department of Corrections

• Katrina Carter, Director of Reentry and Treatment Services
• Sandra Smith, Correctional Education Director