RAYMOND – Hinds Community College received the Humanities Educator Award from the Mississippi Humanities Council March 20 for the Flight to Freedom Prison Education Program at Central Mississippi Correction Facility in Rankin County.
In 2021, Hinds began offering for-credit courses in Mississippi prisons with financial support from the Mississippi Humanities Council via a Mellon Foundation grant. The Humanities Council paid for Hinds instructors and books for in-prison courses and Hinds provided free tuition to inmates.
Hinds educators who participate in the program are, front from left, Dr. Laura McDavitt, Dr. Lashanda Graham, Jamie Coon, Marcille McLendon, Dr. Jennifer Gibbs; back, Eric Bobo, Tim Krason, Virginia Miller Durr and retired instructor Nita Burchfield.
Not pictured are instructors Dr. Shannon Anderson, Talmechia Griffin, JD Hoseman and Olicia King.
Virginia Miller Durr was also honored as Hinds 2026 Humanities Educator of the Year.
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With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.