From Incarceration to Inspiration: Tyrone Wheatley's Journey with RCC
Earning a college degree is a significant achievement for anyone, but for Tyrone Wheatley, the journey to higher education was filled with unique challenges. While incarcerated at Haynesville Correctional Center, Tyrone pursued his academic goals and successfully earned an Associate of Arts & Sciences degree from Rappahannock Community College (RCC).
Determined to expand his skills, Tyrone also completed the SHINE Solar Technician training program, which was held on weekends at Haynesville. These educational experiences provided him with the foundation needed to transition into a successful career upon his release.
Today Tyrone is proud to be gainfully employed as a contractor for a data company in Northern Virginia. According to his employer, with a college degree in hand, his opportunities for career advancement, particularly into management roles, are significantly increased.
Taking college classes while incarcerated presented many hurdles, particularly the lack of access to technology. Without computers, all papers and exams were handwritten, and digital literacy was not part of the curriculum. Despite these obstacles, Tyrone remained committed to his education, crediting the unwavering support of program coordinator Barb Schaab and dedicated professors like Jessie Fortune for helping him achieve his goals.
Among the courses he took, political science stood out as his favorite. Reflecting on his experience, Tyrone emphasizes the impact of RCC’s faculty and the power of education in transforming lives.
"RCC's professors believe in us and were always positive. Getting an education is so important, and I'm glad I overcame the obstacles to earning a degree,” he said.
RCC and Haynesville Correctional Center with the Department of Corrections have worked together to bring quality and life-changing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals for 15 years.