Makeisha Seagraves says Lipscomb students have made a major difference in her life during her 10 years behind bars at the Tennessee Prison for Women (TPW).
“The Lipscomb community has shown what true Christian love means,” Seagraves said. “They embraced me with open arms, never with a judging eye.”
Seagraves is talking about what she has gained by studying alongside Lipscomb students who attend classes at the prison as a part of LIFE, Lipscomb Initiative for Education. The program gives students a chance to delve into both academics and service learning.
Lipscomb history professor Richard Goode started this program with hopes that every student who attends Lipscomb would have the chance to take at least one class at the TPW at some point in his or her collegiate career.
This spring semester, two classes are being offered: Society and the Law, as well as Disciplines of Christian Living.
“This program and all involved have given me the strength to know that I am good enough to have a future,” says Tabitha, another inmate who believes her life was changed by LIFE.
Ricki Adkins, a rising senior at Lipscomb University, spoke highly of the program.
“As a student at Lipscomb, I am always looking for ways to better impact the surrounding community of Nashville,” Adkins said. “Prior to taking a class at the TPW this semester, I had no idea the place existed. Being a social work major, I have studied cases in which the U.S. criminal justice system often dehumanizes the incarcerated.
“This experience has been life-changing, and I am so grateful to go to a school that provides its students with such incredible opportunities.”