Dyersburg, Tennessee – Dyersburg State Community College held a graduation ceremony for 13 students at its off-site location, the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, TN. Two additional graduates had been released and finished their degree work remotely. Most students in this cohort graduated with top honors, and some were even inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society.
The celebration featured keynote speaker Mr. Sean Pica, a former inmate at Sing Sing Penitentiary. Mr. Pica was 14 years old when he received a 25-year sentence for murder. Even while incarcerated, he became a strong advocate for higher education in correctional institutions, for prison reforms, and for incarcerated students. In his address, he urged the graduates to continue striving for excellence. “Education,” he said, “is transformative.”
Also speaking were Ms. Andrea Franckowiak, Associate Professor/Language Arts & First Year Experience, and CEI Advisor, and Dr. William Northcutt, CEI Director. Representing DSCC were Dr. Amy Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success; Dr. Tracy Giovanetti, Associate Professor of Communications; and Mr. Jake Burg, Computer Telephone Technician. Families, state officials, the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC), the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI), and the Tennessee Board of Regents took part in the ceremony and celebration.
The graduating cohort gave a special award to Ms. Franckowiak for her dedication as their teacher and advisor. In the past, Dr. Giovanetti and Associate Professor Dr. Wayne Corlis, the Academic Chair of Business and Technology, were previous recipients of the honor.
Noting the importance of the graduation, Dr. Johnson said, “It was a truly inspiring day as we celebrated the achievements of the graduates at the correctional facility. Each graduate has overcome significant obstacles and demonstrated remarkable dedication to their education and personal development. This milestone is not just a reflection of academic success—it’s a testament to their resilience and commitment to building a better future. I am incredibly proud of each individual who walked across that stage. Their hard work deserves recognition and celebration, and I hope this moment serves as a powerful reminder that change is always possible.”
Dr. Northcutt added, “We watched 13 students cross the stage, and their families attended, proud to see their loved ones graduating, making positive steps in their lives. Two more of our students who were paroled graduated too. Each of these students worked diligently against all odds to earn their degrees. We are proud of them, as we are of all DSCC students and graduates.”
For more information about the Correctional Education Initiative, contact Dr. William Northcutt, CEI Director, at northcutt@dscc.edu.
Photo: Dr. Amy Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success at Dyersburg State, congratulated the students from the Northwest Correctional Complex on their success during the NWCX Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.