The state prison in Brent has the distinction of having the second prison study program in the nation sponsored by the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary extension system, and this summer marked the first anniversary of the program.
“Our students have done well,” said prison Chaplain Eddie Smith. “It’s been a blessing to them, and I’ve seen positive changes in these men as they’ve studied.”
The final two courses in the cycle of eight will be taught this fall, completing a survey of the entire Bible. Smith is planning a graduation ceremony in January 2004.
Bob Hall, director of New Orleans’ Birmingham extension center explained the advantage of the extension program.
“We offer a certificate program in Christian leadership,” Hall said.
“Eight classes are required for the basic certificate. If an inmate upon release applies to our school and is accepted, he’ll receive one hour of college credit for each course in either our associate or bachelor’s degree program. If he’s completed two certificates, he can use this work as his minor for the bachelor’s degree.”
Hall explained that other schools might offer credit, too. “It all depends on the school and the registrar,” he said. “There is potential for these men receiving some college credit at other institutions if they’ve completed high school or have their GED high school equivalent.”
Smith said the classes adhere to Baptist doctrine, but not all participants have been Baptists, and being Baptist isn’t a requirement.
“A number of churches and Sunday Schools of various denominations have paid the course fees for their members in prison, and other churches have given blanket donations,” he said.
Inmates reflect
The Tuscaloosa Baptist Association has served as custodian of all funds used for the seminary program in Brent. On inmate reflected on his participation in the program from its inception.
“I’ve enjoyed this study,” said Tom (not his real name). “It’s easy to find something else to do with my time, but this program has forced me to sit down and study the Bible and its background. I’ve started a lot of things in the past without finishing, so that discipline of this program has accomplishment. It’s also shown me that I can do college-level work.” Tom has parole consideration in 2006 and plans to re-enter school to earn his college degree.
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