Anson is the second correctional facility in North Carolina to hold a commencement ceremony under Campbell University’s Second Chance Initiative
POLKTON — Anita Barton sat with a smile, tears still glistening in her eyes, as she shared the big moment with her aunt and uncle in a post-graduation celebration that felt like any other, aside from the guards who monitored the scene close by.
Wearing a black cap and gown with orange tassel — a welcome reprieve from the purple and gray prison uniforms worn by those incarcerated at Anson Correctional Institution — Barton called earning her associate of science degree from Campbell University a “privilege” and perhaps the biggest milestone in her 59 years.
“Today allows me to look at my future with hope,” she said. “It was an answer to my prayers that came long before I knew this was even possible. It’s a second chance, and I will do everything I can to pay it forward.”
Barton was one of 16 to earn their two-year degree during the Jan. 17 commencement ceremony at Anson Correctional, a medium custody prison for women launched by the state in 2019. Anson, along with Sampson Correctional Institution in Clinton, is one of two prisons taking part in Campbell’s Second Chance Initiative, which is actively working to bring more education opportunities to correctional facilities throughout North Carolina.
While Sampson has now seen three commencement ceremonies to date, this was the first for Anson and its students, some of whom could be released within the next year, while others (like Barton) still have at least another 15 years of incarceration.
“Your journeys have been filled with difficulties,” Campbell President Dr. J. Bradley Creed told the graduates, referencing the University’s motto, ad astra per aspera, “to the stars, through difficulties.” “But restoration is a primary theme in Judeo Christian theology, offering hope when there is no hope. Our unified prayer and hope for this program was for it to lead to restoration, and its students to lives of meaningful service.
“Today is a new day for you, and you’ll never be the same again.”
Campbell introduced the Second Chance Initiative at Anson in January 2023, placing an emphasis on preparing students for admission into a bachelor’s degree program that will help them meet their post-prison educational and career objectives. Threaded throughout the program is an emphasis on providing academic rigor, faith development, critical thinking, writing, math and other life skills.
Two of the 16 graduates were inducted into the Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society for adult learners. One of them was Tremayne Izzard, president of the class’ student council who was chosen as commencement speaker for the ceremony.
“I found it intriguing at this moment, there are two things I never thought I’d say about myself,” Izzard said. “One, that I’d be a resident of a prison. And the other, that I’d be a Camel.”
Not just a Camel, but a Fighting Camel. An important distinction, as camels aren’t exactly known for their fight.
“There are many preconceived notions of who we are,” Izzard said. “I made a promise to my family members … to rekindle their trust in me. [Through Campbell], we’ve rediscovered our value, rediscovered our self worth and rediscovered our purpose. Education is empowering and humanizing.”
