On March 24, 2009 I photographed the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary inside Phillips State Prison in Buford for the Gwinnett Daily Post. Under NOBTS, convicted felons are offered the opportunity to earn a college degree, minister under the direction of the Chaplain while incarcerated, and return to their communities with a college degree in their hands that will open doors to a future vastly different from their past. Phillips State Prison is the third prison extension program initiated by the seminary. Degree programs are also in place at Angola State Prison in Louisiana and Parchman Prison in Mississippi. Since these photos were taken, 23 inmates have graduated from the program. I was given the opportunity to spend a few hours during class with the inmates. These are my favorite images.
Dr. Dan Parker, senior professor at New Orleans Seminary, teaches a Disciple Making class to inmates at Phillips State Prison in Buford on Tuesday. Around 30 inmates are taking seminary college courses four days a week in the hopes of getting degrees.
Inmates Alton Glenn, right, Brian Funderburk, Joshua Armstrong and Joseph Edwards take notes during their Disciple Making class at Phillips State Prison in Buford on Tuesday. Around 30 inmates are taking seminary college courses four days a week for three hours a day in the hopes of getting their degrees while incarcerated.
Nolan White, an inmate at Phillips State Prison in Buford, folds his hands in prayer at the beginning of his Disciple Making class on Tuesday. White is one of nearly 30 inmates at the prison taking seminary college courses in the hopes of earning their degrees while incarserated.
Larry Clayton listens to a theological discussion during seminary school at Phillips State Prison in Buford.
Farah Shameed sits through theology class at Phillips State Prison in Buford.
Inmates at Phillips State Prison in Buford take notes during their Disciple Making class on Tuesday. Around 30 inmates are taking seminary college courses in the hopes of getting their degrees.
Inmate Robert Baker listens to Dr. Dan Parker, senior professor at New Orleans Seminary, as he teaches a Disciple Making class at Phillips State Prison in Buford on Tuesday. Around 30 inmates are taking seminary college courses four days a week in the hopes of getting degrees.