First, but not last

Michelle Ehlers stands with Higher Education in Prison (HEP) program Director Nahlee Suvanvej (left) and Deb Arthur (right), founder of HEP and professor in University Studies.

Walking into her first class in 2021, Michelle Ehlers tried to blend in and get by without being noticed by the instructor or her fellow students. But when Deborah Rutt, academic coordinator for the Higher Education in Prison, called on Ehlers to introduce herself, she said, "You must be Michelle, welcome."

"She put me at ease," Ehlers recalled. "For the first time in Coffee Creek, I was not addressed by my last name, and I genuinely felt she was interested in my goals, what my plan for the future was, and how she could support me in achieving anything I set forth. Everything changed for me as I began doing that coursework."

Ehlers is the first student at Portland State University to complete a bachelor's degree while incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, a women's prison and prisoner intake center in Wilsonville. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Liberal Studies on Dec. 10 during a well-attended ceremony made up of fellow students, friends, family and staff who support the Higher Education in Prison program at PSU. She just finished her last six credits earlier this month and on graduation day, had only 27 days left before she is able to return to her community outside of Coffee Creek.

Michelle Ehlers waits to receive her diploma on Dec. 10, 2024 at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.

"Earning my degree has helped me to build my self confidence, my self worth, enhanced my vocabulary, allowed me to build rapport with others, and overall, has given me the ability to believe in myself," she said. "When I arrived at Coffee Creek, I did not recognize the shell of a human I had become. There is nothing worse than looking in the mirror and not liking who is looking back. Today, I am proud of all that I have accomplished, and I know that I am the person I longed to be."

The PSU Higher Education in Prison program has grown exponentially from its inception in 2019. The program started as a single class and now offers about five courses a term in the minimum and medium security facilities at Coffee Creek.

"It's just unbelievable to remember that moment when we were sitting here just talking about this vision that we had, and now to be here today and to see it have come this far to where we actually have graduates, it's just unbelievable," said Deb Arthur, founder of the Higher Education in Prison program and professor in University Studies. "It's so exciting and super fulfilling. And I know there will be a lot more."

Portland State was among the first institutions in the U.S. to receive approval to accept Pell grant funding for incarcerated students in 2023. Access to funding has allowed students to take a full course load and work more quickly toward their degrees.

"With the Pell Grant we now have 75 full degree-seeking students," Arthur said. "Prior to that, because everything was externally funded, we had reduced differential tuition at $100 per course."

The additional funding has also allowed Portland State to offer more courses at Coffee Creek.

"We expect in the next couple of years to have quite a few graduates," Arthur added.

With her future in front of her, Ehlers is hoping to return to the human services field and utilize her new skills as a certified recovery mentor and peer wellness specialist.

"I'd really like to go out and get into nonprofit work, to give back to the people coming behind me and kind of try to close some of those service gaps," she said.

Ehlers also wants to serve as an example for her peers, knowing that even though working toward a degree can sometimes feel impossible, the journey is worth overcoming the challenges.

"Many days, I wanted to quit. But the support offered by the team Portland State has put together is truly remarkable. I remember thinking, I cannot let these women, specifically Deb and Debbie, work harder to provide these opportunities than I do," she said. "I committed myself to give 100% to every class which allowed me to learn and practice the skills and tools needed for a successful future. You can choose how to do your time. You have the ability to expand your knowledge and to truly find what you are passionate about."

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