Madison Reporter

Madison College, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC), recently celebrated the academic accomplishments of 34 incarcerated individuals during a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society induction ceremony. Madison College President Jack Daniels, who is also a PTK member, served as the keynote speaker for the event.

Daniels addressed the new inductees by stating, “My challenge invites you to give through service, offers opportunities, experience scholarship and learning outside the classroom, promotes fellowship through your interactions with other PTK members, and above all, asks you to step up and be a leader. My challenge is extensive but achievable, and I know the experience you gain along this journey will have a lasting significance on your academic development.”

The ceremony held on November 11 also saw DOC officials acknowledging the participants' achievements. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy emphasized the importance of education in rehabilitation by saying, “Rehabilitation requires learning. One of the goals of incarceration is to provide individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the community. Education plays a huge role and achievements like this show persons in our care that they can succeed. This is a proud moment for each and every one of these students.”

PTK serves as an honor society for two-year colleges aimed at fostering growth among students as scholars and leaders. Jeremiah Janke from Oakhill Correctional Institution expressed his pride in joining PTK: “Becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa — coming from where I started — is not only an honor but an accomplishment that proves my capabilities to myself and everyone else in my life.” Janke highlighted how acknowledgment for his efforts reinforces his belief that hard work leads to success.

To qualify for PTK membership, Janke and his fellow students had to complete at least 12-degree credits while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50. The new PTK members are part of a cohort involved in the Small Business Entrepreneurship Program under the federal Second Chance Pell pilot program, which provides educational funding for incarcerated individuals.

This marks the second group of Wisconsin DOC students to receive this national recognition. The honored members completed their studies online across six different DOC institutions within Wisconsin. As part of their induction into PTK, each student took an oath pledging to uphold its standards and ideals. Their names will be added to the Chapter Record Book, and they will receive a Medal of Honor signifying their formal induction into the society.