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Bars no barrier to dedicated student

March 22, 2006

mitchell.jpgAs Nicholas Mitchell was not able to attend his graduation ceremony at The University of New England, the University took the ceremony to him.

It took place yesterday at Junee Correctional Centre, when the Head of UNE’s School of Economics, Associate Professor Euan Fleming, presented Nicholas with his Bachelor of Commerce testamur.

Twenty-eight-year-old Nicholas, in academic gown and mortar board, graduated in the presence of his mother, Ann Swift, and his sister, Sarah Mogan, who both travelled from the United States for the occasion. “It’s not every day someone gets a chance to change their life,” he said. “I wish opportunities like this could be given to more people.” He is hoping that his example might help to promote greater engagement with education in prisons. “Education is the only way out of trouble,” he remarked.

He explained that he had decided to study for the degree because, “if I didn’t do something positive, the time would just be wasted”. “I’ve always been interested in business, economics and politics,” he said, “and have now been accepted into UNE’s Master of Economic Studies degree program. I’m hoping these qualifications will open some doors of opportunity for me after my release.”

There have been many difficulties for Nicholas to overcome – not least of them the lack of access to a computer in some of the prisons that held him before his move to Junee two-and-a-half years ago. Dr Fleming said his outstanding results in econometrics were truly remarkable considering that he had often performed all his computations without the help of the software that most students rely on. On the other hand, the prison environment can be conducive to study: as Nicholas pointed out, “from 5 pm onwards there are no distractions”.

One of his lecturers, Dr Renato Villano, said Nicholas was one of the best external students he had taught in his five years at UNE. “I’ve been impressed by his intelligence and his perseverance,” Dr Villano reported. Dr Fleming said Nicholas’s achievement was “a good example of the life-changing benefits of education”. “And it’s good for society as a whole,” he continued, “if prisoners are able to return to the workforce after their release. UNE, as a major provider of distance education, could play an important role in that process.”

Richard Parnell, Programs Manager for The GEO Group (operator of the Junee Correctional Centre), said Nicholas had “shown a desire to use his time to improve himself personally and professionally”. “Geo is committed to the rehabilitation of inmates through the provision of educational, therapeutic and vocational programs at Junee,” Mr Parnell continued. “The Centre’s dedicated Educational Officer, Janelle Phillpott, who assists inmates to access educational resources and courses, has played an important role in Nick’s success. Nevertheless, Nick’s dedication and drive to improve himself have been significant factors in this major achievement.” Both Mr Parnell and Ms Phillpott were at the graduation ceremony.

Also at the ceremony was Pastor Fred Veerhuis, who has encouraged Nicholas throughout his time in prison, has become a friend of the family, and is featuring Nicholas in a book he is writing. “Nicholas has gained a qualification and a passion for the field of economics that he can build on when he’s released,” Mr Veerhuis said.

Dr David Kennedy, who visits Nicholas weekly as a representative of the Kairos Prison Ministry, was another graduation guest. “This has given Nick a life,” he said. TAFE, through which Nicholas has learnt woodworking skills and gained a certificate in horticulture, was also represented at the ceremony.

A highlight of the event for Nicholas was being able to meet Dr Fleming face-to-face, and discuss the academic interests and aspirations that are changing his life.

The photograph displayed here shows Nicholas Mitchell (right) with Associate Professor Euan Fleming at the graduation ceremony.



Posted by J Scanlan at March 22, 2006 04:03 PM