Belmont Student Finds Purpose Through Education

Formerly incarcerated graduate seeks a worthy life post-release

At May commencement, one Belmont student’s promenade across the graduation stage represented more than a traditional rite of passage — it signified a complete transformation.  

Following a scripture reading from John 4:12, James “Mike” Stanfield stood before his graduating Belmont cohort to tell his personal story.  “The reason I didn't don a cap when I was your age is because I became justice-impacted, which is a polite way of saying I went to prison,” he shared with an audience of graduates half his age. 

Stanfield’s higher educational journey began in the unlikely setting of a state prison. He is a member of Belmont’s inaugural Prison Education Program through a partnership with the Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative (THEI) for students at the Turney Center Industrial Complex in Only, Tennessee. 

“Higher education in prison is a rare gift,” he said. “Education gave me a sense of purpose and direction I didn’t have before. I took it seriously because I understood the significance of it and what it could mean for transforming my life.”  

A Path Forward After Release 

After his release from the Turney Center, Stanfield continued working to earn a degree. With the support of THEI and Belmont, he has found a path toward redemption and hope for the future. 

“Belmont helped my transition by being flexible with scheduling and pacing, and by treating me like any other student,” he said. “Like it is with all students here, Belmont believes in my potential and has helped me reach it. We all leave here better than when we arrived. And if you’re someone like me, you become a lot more.” 

This year, Stanfield was presented with the John Williams Heart of Belmont Award, which recognizes a third-year or fourth-year student who portrays an intrinsic commitment to voluntary service, an initiative and innovation in problem solving, a persistence in overcoming obstacles, is an advocate for change that enhances the lives of those in the community, exhibits a mature understanding of community needs and systemic problems, showcases sensitivity in developing a partnering relationship with the community and forms habits of reflection that derive from service and lead to service. 

Far from being defined by his past, Stanfield has emerged as a stellar student and dedicated citizen, embodying the highest ideals of academic excellence, personal growth and social responsibility that Belmont seeks to cultivate in all its students. As the Heart of Belmont recipient, he exemplifies the University's commitment to whole-person development.  

While he appreciates the recognition, he’s quick to point out the context behind it.  

“It’s a great honor — one I’ll always cherish — but I feel a little guilty too,” he admitted. “My challenges were the result of my own mistakes. Anything less than trying to redeem myself and give back would be unacceptable. My quest for redemption is where I find meaning and purpose.” 

The chance to receive an education while in prison has made all the difference for Stanfield. Although he dropped out of high school, he has always been an avid reader and writer. For over three decades, he has written fiction, nonfiction and news, even founding a prison newspaper called The Only Voice. 

  “Writing was my first outlet and calling in prison,” he said. “I think a lot of writing skills —observation, interpretation, organization — translate well to academia.” 

This year, Stanfield won first place in the Harry N. Hollis Essay Contest hosted by Belmont’s Edward C. Kennedy Center for Business Ethics for his essay entitled “Academic Integrity Can Be Restored.”   

He also embraced more practical transformations that came with college: collaborating on team projects, learning to meet deadlines and overcoming a long-standing fear of public speaking. “Before college, particularly before taking a speech class, I was terrified of speaking in front of even a few people. Now I don’t mind it, because I’ve been given the tools and confidence to pull it off.” 

That confidence empowered him to speak at Friday’s graduation ceremony, serving as a living testament to the power of education in reducing recidivism and helping justice-impacted individuals avoid returning to prison.  

Support That Changed a Life  

At graduation, Stanfield also publicly acknowledged the individuals vital to his success, including president emeritus Dr. Bob Fisher, current president Dr. Greg Jones, Belmont and THEI staff and faculty. Receiving consistent support from various offices, including Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education – Adult Degree Program, Academic Excellence and Academic Advising was also essential to Stanfield successfully earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Belmont.  

“The love and support I have received from this community has changed my life in more ways than simply giving me a degree,” he said. “It inspires me to pay it forward and to prove myself worthy of it, striving to be the person that Belmont knows I can be.” 

As Stanfield continues to build a worthy post-release life, his transformative journey also involves a deep commitment to help others in the same way he was helped. One of his jobs is working part-time as a coordinator of client services for a small firm called the Tennessee Liberty Center. The firm helps currently incarcerated clients across the country file for executive clemency.  

“I am totally dedicated to rising above what and who I was,” he said. “I want to become the kind of person who contributes rather than takes; to be an asset to our community rather than a liability; to give back and serve.” 

Stanfield’s journey doesn’t end with a diploma. As he looks ahead, Stanfield hopes to continue turning his second chance into a life of service, helping others find purpose, just as education helped him find his own.