CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new partnership aims to enhance and expand higher educational opportunities for those working in the state’s Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Governor Jim Justice created a partnership with the WV DCR and University of Charleston for a new program that provides additional educational training, professional development and leadership skills for correctional officers in a number of areas, including Cybersecurity, Psychology, Healthcare Administration and Management and Frontline Leadership.
The agreement creates a pathway for these employees to take courses through UC and earn credit hours based on previous experience in such fields and that can be applied to either associates or bachelors degrees.
State Corrections Commissioner Billy Marshall said it’s a good opportunity for those striving to really further their careers in corrections and rehabilitation.
“Anytime we can get our employees interested in furthering their education it just adds to that confidence in what they’re doing, it gives them a sense of pride, makes them feel better about themselves, and probably would help them what to strive for promotions and to enjoy a successful career with DCR, so we’re really excited about it,” Marshall said.
Marshall said the offered fields through the program are anything that is related to or compliments law enforcement-type training and things that are necessary or essential to what correctional officers do on a day-to-day basis.
He said correctional officers and employees are every bit as critical to the quality of the state as law enforcement are and deserve the same kinds of quality of training.
“You know, law enforcement do a great job in investigating the crimes and incarcerating people, you know, solving issues for people in the public, but once that individual that has committed that offense or is alleged to commit that offense comes to us, we have just as heavy a lift to try to make sure this individual gets what they need while they’re in, and can be rehabilitated the best that they can be,” he said.
The program is fully-funded through federal grants and offers correctional officers education and training at no-cost. Awarded credits are based on a variety of factors, including years of service, rank and leadership experience within DCR.
Marshall said it’s crucial to provide this opportunity to correctional officers in expanding their education as many of them didn’t get a chance to previously fulfill it.
“You know, sometimes life happens and some of these individuals that come in they came in early with us, they came in young and they didn’t have the opportunity whether it was economics, whatever it might be to attend college,” he said.
He said there are also online courses available through the program so the officers can complete them while simultaneously working a shift or on their own time.
Marshall said UC makes the fourth partnership like this they have formed. DCR has previously partnered with Glenville State University, WVU Tech, and Wheeling University.
Marshall said these partnerships with state higher education institutions have proven to be very effective and beneficial in what the DCR is trying to achieve.
“There’s a lot of great work being done in the state of West Virginia by our DCR employees, and so I think that this is just another partnership to show and to promote what a professional outfit we are,” said Marshall.
The list of degree and certificate opportunities currently being offered to correctional officers through UC’s partnership include the following:
. A.S. Cybersecurity
. A.S. Frontline Leadership
. A.S. Workforce Leadership
. B.A. in Psychology
. B.S. Business Management
. B.S. Cyber Security
. B.S. Healthcare Administration and Management
. B.S. Organizational Leadership
. M.S. Business Administration
. M.S. Business and Data Analytics
. M.S. Cybersecurity
. M.S. Strategic Leadership
. Doctorate Executive Leadership
. RN/BSN
. Certifications in Cybersecurity, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt
“The University of Charleston is honored to recognize the service, training, and leadership experience of WV DCR employees,” said Dr. Kristen Dugan, Dean of Leadership at UC. “Our partnership will support learning pathways through degree programs and certificates facilitated by UC’s dedicated faculty.”
DCR employees who enroll in the above programs will also be eligible for a 10% discount for specific undergraduate and graduate programs, or receive the undergraduate tuition rate of $250 credit hour for military, law enforcement or first responders on specific programs.
Students must follow UC’s admission procedures and meet degree requirements to qualify for credits under the agreement.