A second cohort of EJP Alumni Fellows has been selected to build professional skills and networking opportunities among our former students. This initiative also aims to foreground the voices of those who can best speak to the importance of higher education in prison, the conditions of life inside, and the need for reentry resources — those who are currently and formerly incarcerated.
We are pleased to introduce the members of our 2025-27 cohort (pictured left to right):
Michael Harrell is the program manager and director of reentry at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. In his application letter, Michael said he looks forward to “sharpening my own skills in public speaking, leadership and peer mentorship.” EJP has been, he says, an “integral part” of his growth. Serving as an EJP Alumni Fellow is a “meaningful way to give back while continuing to grow.”
Kenneth “Spankey” Davis, Jr. is an area field operations manager for the Strengthening Our Community Alliance in Chicago and senior community advocate for ConTextos. He says he is interested in the opportunity to “work collaboratively with other alumni.” He feels he has a “responsibility” to share his story, “not only as a means of truth-telling but also as a way to advocate for others who are still navigating these realities.”
Mike Pierce is unique as the first EJP alumnus who has this year been accepted to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Education, Policy, Organization & Leadership with an interest in trauma-informed education. As an alumnus fellow, Mike will become an ex officio member of EJP’s Advisory Council. This is an exciting step for EJP as it is the first time someone incarcerated has served on our Advisory Council. Mike lives currently at the Adult Transition Center in Peoria. Both his life experience and professional expertise, Mike says, allow him to, “challenge public perceptions and advance educational justice.”
Help us to congratulate our 2025-27 Alumni Fellows! They join the four current alumni fellows, who are serving 2024-26 terms. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.