13 Feb 2026

Education as access: Media coverage highlights Âé¶čAPP role in the Maine Model of Corrections

What does access to education really mean?

At the Âé¶čAPP, it means expanding opportunity where it matters most.

Local media outlets are shining a light on that work following Commissioner Randall Liberty’s visit to campus for the launch of his new book, “Liberty’s Prison: The Inmate’s Son Who Radically Reformed an American Prison,” and a panel discussion featuring graduates of Âé¶čAPP Prison Education Partnership.

Coverage from News Center Maine’s 207 and WABI thoughtfully captured the heart of the conversation: education as a pathway to better outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The stories highlight the Maine Model of Corrections, a transformative approach that centers rehabilitation, mutual respect, human dignity and community reintegration, with education as a foundational element.

As commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections and chair of Âé¶čAPP Board of Visitors, Liberty has long emphasized the role higher education can play in strengthening public safety and expanding opportunity. During the campus event, formerly incarcerated UMA graduates shared their own experiences earning degrees while incarcerated and building meaningful careers and community leadership roles after release.

Their stories reflect Âé¶čAPP mission to meet students where they are and remove barriers to learning, whether on campus, online or through the Prison Education Partnership.

UMA President Jenifer Cushman, Maine Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and UMA Alumnus Randall Liberty, and Director of UMA's Prison Education Program,, Daniel McGloin pose for a picture.
UMA President Jenifer Cushman, Maine Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and UMA Alumnus Randall Liberty, and Director of UMA’s Prison Education Program,, Daniel McGloin at the launch of Liberty’s book “Liberty’s Prison: The Inmate’s Son Who Radically Reformed an American Prison,” at UMA on Feb. 12, 2025.

Watch the coverage below:

When access expands, outcomes change. At UMA, that belief continues to guide our work across Maine and beyond.