Art contest helps Correctional Education students 'feel more involved in the university'

Each year, state directors from Ashland University’s Correctional Education program have an annual meeting to plan its focus for the coming year.  

“In September 2022, our focus was retention by concentrating on making CE students feel more involved in the university,” said Denise Justice, executive director of correctional relations. “Being a college student and having that ‘college experience’ is so much more than just taking classes. If you live on campus, you have many activities you can participate in. 

“Our CE students are proud to be AU Eagles,” Justice added, “and they are always asking us for something to make them feel more like an AU student.” 

One of the ways AU recently helped CE students feel more involved with the university was a national art contest, which attracted 27 students from 18 of the university’s correctional facilities in seven states. 

Because one of the other initiatives to make them feel more involved with AU – a short video sharing the story of the AU Eagle statues with pictures – was so popular, Justice said it was decided art contest participants would draw their own AU Eagle mascot and write a backstory.  

“Seeing the artwork and reading all the stories was a wonderful experience,” Justice said. “It never ceases to amaze me just how talented our students are. You could feel in each story just what a transformative experience being enrolled in Ashland University has been for each student.” 

Justice said she hopes there will be another CE art contest in the spring.  

Being judged by members of the Art and Marketing departments on campus was also very special for the students, Justice added.  

Cynthia Petry, assistant professor in the Art Department, was impressed with the entries.  

“The CE art contest entries showed dynamic design approaches to the theme, and the collaborations created a visual narrative of the ability to see and embrace positive changes in their lives through higher education,” Petry said. “The Ashland Eagle was a central visual icon that the artists utilized to illustrate this catalyst-soaring and breaking down barriers. 

“I would commend the efforts of the students and their fortitude in seeking a brighter future for themselves through their educational endeavors,” Petry added.  

Petry was especially impressed with the entry by overall winner Jason Bennett of Marion Correctional Facility in Florida.  

“Bennet’s winning design showed a mastery of value and space within his composition, as well as visual movement,” Petry said. “It was a design that I kept coming back to as I was reviewing the entries.” 

Bennett’s illustration shows an eagle, which he named Esau: The Education Eagle for All, breaking through a brick wall.  

“Esau faced a lot of trials and tribulations when it came to doing what he was destined to do,” Bennett wrote in his backstory. “He may have banged his head into the pavement a few times trying to fly, but with a little help, Esau made it. 

“Now Esau is stronger than ever, and he has grown to a size much larger than he had ever thought he could,” Bennett continued writing. “Esau is so strong now that he can easily break down walls and his job is to help free those who are being held captive inside. Esau doesn’t just open the doors to freedom, but instead, he brings the tools and materials that are needed so that his students can learn to fly for themselves.” 

Bennett also wrote that Esau is an inspiration for the men at Marion Correctional Facility, bringing much hope and dreams anew.  

“Esau has showed how education can change lives,” Bennett wrote to end his story.