Mission, Metrics, and Mass Incarceration: How College and University Presidents Discuss Prison Higher Education

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Abstract

This qualitative study examines why presidents leading institutions with prison higher education programs host these programs. We examine how presidents discuss, explain, and justify prison higher education at their institutions, and whether they notice any influence on their outside campuses. Preliminary analysis indicates four shared rationales among presidents regarding support for prison higher education across institutional type: moral, utilitarian, mission-driven, and mutual benefit. Emergent themes of transformation, mission alignment, and financial incentive are noted influences. We hope that our findings offer insight into expanding postsecondary educational opportunity during and post-incarceration.

Authors

• Erin L. Castro, University of Utah

• Cydney Y. Caradonna, University of Utah

• Mary R Gould, Sunshine Lady Foundation