Walker State Prison Hosts Georgia State University Graduation

Commissioner: Tyrone Oliver

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

9 Offenders Receive Associate Degree

FORSYTH, Ga. –  On May 5, Walker State Prison held its first Georgia State University Prison Education Project graduation for students who completed all requirements for their Associate Degree in General Studies. During the ceremony, nine offenders proudly walked across the stage as Honors scholars to receive their diploma.

"Our goal is to provide educational opportunities that will assist offenders in reentering society as productive, law-abiding citizens," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We appreciate the partnership of Georgia State University, which allows offenders to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful upon release."

The Georgia State University Prison Education Project works to bring higher education into prisons while offering incarcerated students support and the opportunity to promote lifelong learning that strengthens human character, increases understanding of life experiences and motivates students to engage in productive citizenship.

Walker State Prison is also a Faith and Character Based Prison that provides a two-year curriculum of personal and spiritual growth, as well as development under the supervision of the program coordinator. It is designed to give the participants the skills to explore and choose alternatives to criminal thinking and behavior through an emphasis on spiritual, moral, and character development.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising approximately 47,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.