Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)-Moose Lake recently recognized 26 individuals who graduated from Ashland University.

The Ashland University curriculum program at MCF-Moose Lake is a distance learning program which links students with faculty from Ohio through tablets, which has been highly successful in helping incarcerated individuals achieve college degrees (associate and bachelor’s degrees).

“The Ashland tablet program has offered me hope, especially given my life circumstances. I have a renewed sense of hope,” said graduate Bradley Ball. “When I entered the prison system, I hadn’t completed high school even. I quickly completed my GED and then had the opportunity to join college courses. I am thankful for the opportunity to better myself through a college education.”

David Webb attended as representation from Ashland University and is the State Director for the program. Site directors at MCF-Moose Lake are Rachel Nynas and Suzanne VanHeel.

“These men have proven that prison is not the end but rather an opportunity to reset and change the narrative for their future,” said Rachel Nynas, who is an Ashland site director at MCF-Moose Lake and has been with the DOC in various roles for 12 years. “They have shown that with hard work and determination, you can make your time count rather than just counting time.”

“Ashland University values the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our correctional education students from the Minnesota Department of Corrections,” said Webb. “One of the best aspects of my job as Associate/State Director is to participate in and witness the graduation ceremonies for our students. It makes all of the hard work and effort worthwhile when we get to see these students light up with pride about what they have achieved. It is amazing to think that 17 of the 26 graduates recognized in the program graduated with academic honors and/or were admitted into the education honorary for Communications.”

Webb continued, “We value our partnership with the Minnesota Department of Corrections and the Moose Lake Correctional facility. Our efforts in correctional education wouldn’t be possible without the support of the administration at Moose Lake and their staff. I also want to recognize our Site Directors Rachel Nynas and Suzanne VanHeel, and their dedication to helping these students achieve their goals. I look forward to many more graduations to come and the opportunity to celebrate education and the impact it has on these students and their futures.”

Congratulations to the individuals who have taken the next steps towards success through continued education!