VGCC Recognized Nationally for Innovation in Correctional Education

On March 6, Vance-Granville Community College received the 2007 national award for education at the Defendant/Offender Workforce Development Conference, a national event held this year in Charlotte and sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, National Institute of Corrections, the National Career Development Association, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and United States Probation Offices. Over the last two years, VGCC has developed a distance education model for instructional delivery to inmates that is a first in correctional education in the United States, according to Senior Warden Art Beeler at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, N.C.VGCC was recognized for excellence and innovation as a result of using the Blackboard Learning Management System to provide online classes for inmates and using the VNET – VGCC’s two-way interactive classrooms with sites at VGCC and at Butner. The Blackboard Learning Management System allows students and faculty to participate in online classes or face-to-face classes supplemented with online materials. Students using Blackboard are able to move through the course material at their own pace.The VNET is VGCC’s two-way interactive classroom. VNET recreates electronically the same type of interactions between students and faculty, and among students, found in traditional classrooms. Students at one location see their instructor, who is teaching from another VNET room, on a television monitor and are able to converse with the instructor during class time using microphones in the classroom. The VNET allows the college to offer a broad range of courses to a larger number of students.VGCC President Randy Parker commended Marsha Nelson, Vice President of Instruction; Philip White, Director of Prison Programs; Ken Lewis, Vice President of Information Technology, and their respective staffs for their leadership in bringing about these innovations in correctional education. The unique nature of the VGCC program has led to inquiries from other states and even from other nations who would like to learn from the college.“This award is a great honor, because it recognizes that Vance-Granville seeks to use technology to stay ahead of the curve, not only in correctional education but also in other areas as well,” said Parker. “The award also highlights our successful partnership with the federal prisons at Butner, which is a benefit to the community, much like our partnerships with state correctional facilities and industries.”VGCC began offering business and liberal arts classes to Butner inmates in fall 1979. Since 1979, the federal complex has expanded from one facility to five. VGCC expanded its programs and courses to accommodate additional educational needs.Curriculum programs offered by VGCC at the prison include the two-year Associate in Arts, or College Transfer, degree; the two-year Business Administration degree; the one-year Business Administration certificate; the one-year Office Systems Technology certificate; the one-year HVAC diploma; the one-year Carpentry diploma; and the one-year Electrical/ Electronics Technology diploma. The college also offers various Occupational Extension or Community and Economic Development classes, including Industrial Sewing, Commercial Cleaning, Small Engine Repair, Employment Readiness, GED and High School Diploma.Between fall 1997 and summer 2006, VGCC’s prison curriculum programs graduated 955 students — an average of 106 graduates per year. The program serves approximately 350-400 students per year. Approximately 100 credit classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters. Occupational Extension and Community and Economic Development programs serve approximately 100-200 students each year with 15 to 30 classes offered at any one time.The VGCC prison education staff includes two employees in administration, 14 full-time instructors and more than 40 part-time instructors.Above: VGCC President Randy Parker (fourth from left) presents the national award plaque to VGCC Director of Prison Programs Philip White (third from left) at the March meeting of the college board of trustees. The two are flanked on the left by Ken Lewis, the college’s Vice President of Information Technology and Marsha Nelson, Vice President of Instruction, and on the right by VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert, Sr. and Sara Wester, chair of the board’s curriculum committee. (VGCC Photo)