Pikeville, Tenn. – Nineteen inmates at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex earned their associate’s degrees from Chattanooga State Community College in December.

Seventeen men and two women were awarded degrees in business administration during separate graduation ceremonies held at the facility.

“Most of the inmates in TDOC custody will return to their communities,” said BCCX Warden Brett Cobble. “If we can help them leave our custody with a higher level of education and more skills than they had coming in, we can reduce the likelihood they will reoffend.”

Of the 19 graduates, 17 graduated with honors. Facility leadership, education staff, and representatives from Chattanooga State Community College attended the event to recognize the graduates for their significant achievement.

“Through partnerships like this one, we are giving inmates the tools they need to improve their lives,” said Cobble. “These inmates are college graduates now, which will open up so many new opportunities to them and help them be successful once they are released.”

Across the state, the Tennessee Department of Correction partners with 12 colleges and universities to provide inmates with opportunities for post-secondary education, including vocational certificates and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. These partnerships emphasize TDOC’s commitment to promoting successful reentry and reducing recidivism.