2023 fall graduate Kiley Grayson

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Kiley Grayson, dressed in a black cap and gown, stood behind the podium and addressed his peers, delivering the student address at the Fall 2023 commencement for the Western Nevada College’s Higher Education in Prison Program. Grayson spoke about the difference an education makes in decreasing recidivism, the importance of respecting others, and the contributions of his fellow graduates in what they do on a daily basis despite being behind bars. 

WNC’s Fall 2023 graduates from the Northern Nevada Correctional Center (NNCC) collectively earned a 3.898 GPA.

Graduates were Matthew Baker, Associate of General Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Beau Brown, Associate of General Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Michael Cu, Associate of General Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Kiley Grayson, Associate of General Studies; Angel Leyva, Associate of Applied Science in Welding, Summa Cum Laude; Rickey Massey, Associate of Arts, Summa Cum Laude; Ronald Mulder, Associate of Arts, Summa Cum Laude; Shane Myers, Associate of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, and Danny Shaw, Associate of Arts, Magna Cum Laude.

“It was the best group of students I’ve ever taught,” said WNC Economics, Business, and Marketing Instructor Robert Ash, who has taught and mentored college students for 52 years.

Ash is one of a growing number of adjunct instructors and full-time professors who enter through the gatehouse at NNCC and trek to the education building to teach classes at NNCC every semester.

“Next to the students, the instructors are at the heart of this,” said Deb Conrad, HEPP director. “They navigate the challenges of teaching in prison to ensure students receive an equitable college education. They are on the front line helping students recognize what they are capable of accomplishing.”  

Opening remarks were provided by WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. Nevada Department of Corrections’ John Henley, NNCC acting warden, and William Quenga, deputy director of Silver State Industries, delivered messages of support and encouragement to the graduates and students in the audience.

President Dalpe and Kim DesRoches, history professor and HEPP academic support specialist, presented the graduates and awarded them their degrees.

“We know that your path forward after graduation may be less traditional than some,” President Dalpe said. “Never forget that your education will give you a strong foundation for success no matter what is next for you. The knowledge that you have gained, the skills you’ve developed, and the growth you’ve experienced go with you.”