News Release - December 13, 2010
Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
STATE OF GEORGIA
For Immediate Release
Commencement Exercises at Phillips State Prison
Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Christian Ministry Awarded
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Corrections and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) held commencement exercises on Monday, December 13, 2010 at Phillips State Prison in Buford. Twenty-five inmates received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry.
“This time last year, these men received their Associate’s degrees in Christian Ministry and I am happy to see they continued with the program to receive Bachelor’s degrees,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “Our partnership with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary strengthens our Faith and Character Based Program and serves as a valuable tool for offenders,” added Owens.
The Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program began at Phillips State Prison in April 2008. It is modeled after programs at Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana and Parchman State Prison in Mississippi. The Extension Center offers inmates a two-year, 76 semester hour Associate’s degree in Christian Ministry and a four-year, 126 semester hour Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry. These fully accredited college degrees are designed to provide a broad foundation for ministry within the prison system and are based upon eight core competencies: Biblical Exposition, Christian Heritage, Servant Leadership, Interpersonal Relationships, Spiritual and Character Formation, Disciple Making, Worship Leadership and Life Skills. In addition to earning a degree, inmates will minister within the Georgia prison system under the direction of a Chaplain. Funding for the program is provided by the Southern Baptist Convention and the New Orleans Baptist Seminary.
The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 13,000 employees.
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