Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

Meet Andrian Bullock, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) and Nashville State Community College alumna who continues to move forward with determination and vision. Since returning home in August 2025, Andrian has remained focused on building a stable and meaningful future for herself.

While her educational journey required a brief pause, Andrian never lost sight of her goals. She is now preparing to reengage this summer through the Lipscomb LIFE Program, taking intentional steps to continue her growth and expand her opportunities.

At the same time, Andrian has been making strides professionally and personally. She was recently promoted to manager at her U-Haul office in Memphis, a reflection of her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. She has also reached a major milestone by moving into her own home, continuing to build a strong foundation for her future.

Grounded in the value of education and forward momentum, Andrian’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and purpose. She is stepping confidently into what comes next, demonstrating that progress is not always linear, but always possible with persistence and vision.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

Today, our office is closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

On June 19, 1865, news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That delay is part of the history we carry forward every year on this day.

Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder that the work of freedom is ongoing. At THEI, that means continuing to advocate for equity and access in higher education, and acknowledging that the systems we work within are not perfect. Mass incarceration has fallen hardest on Black communities, and educational access has reflected those same inequities.

We honor today with gratitude and recommit to the work still ahead.

Hannah joined THEI in 2025 as a Transitional Programs Associate, and her path here is a personal one.

As a THEI alumna herself, Hannah knows firsthand what it means to navigate reentry — and what a difference compassionate, intentional support can make. She brings that lived experience into everything she does, walking alongside alumni as they transition back into their communities and connecting them with resources in housing, employment, continuing education, and basic needs.

She holds an Associate of Science in Business Management from Dyersburg State Community College and is currently pursuing a B.A. in Sociology at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), continuing to grow alongside the people she serves.

Hannah's work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: education is a right, not a privilege. And she shows up every day to make sure others have access to the same compassion, guidance, and opportunity that shaped her own journey. We're so glad to have Hannah on Team THEI. 💙

Meet Da’maryious Dorsey, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus and graduate of Dyersburg State Community College who is turning his lived experience into purpose. Da’maryious has been open about his past and the challenges he has faced throughout his reentry journey, never shying away from the realities of the road he has walked.

While the journey has not been easy, he has continued to push forward, building a life that he is proud of. Today, he is using his voice and his experiences in a meaningful way through his work at the Raphah Institute in Nashville, where he supports and mentors young people facing many of the same challenges he once did.

Driven, focused, and deeply passionate about creating change, Da’maryious is committed to giving back and showing others what is possible. His story reflects resilience, honesty, and the power of using your past not as a limitation, but as a foundation for impact.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

📘 Have you seen our Navigating Forward toolkit yet?

With support from Ascendium Education Group, THEI created this ready-to-use collection of college navigation resources specifically for incarcerated learners. Designed with clarity, accessibility, and the unique challenges of Prison Education Program (PEP) students in mind, these tools can be used individually or as a set — plus, there’s a glossary to support students at any starting point.

Perfect for PEP practitioners looking for clear, comprehensive materials without the heavy lift.

Start exploring and share with someone who might need it: https://thei.org/navigating-forward/

Meet Teri Sexton, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumna who has been moving with purpose from the moment she returned home. Teri immediately stepped into full-time employment and has maintained stability ever since, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to building a solid foundation for her future.

At the same time, she has jumped right back into her educational journey, currently working toward her associate degree at Dyersburg State Community College. Balancing full-time work while being enrolled as a full-time student is no small task, but Teri continues to show up with determination and focus.

She remains actively involved within the THEI community, staying connected and engaged while continuing to push herself forward. Teri’s journey reflects consistency, discipline, and resilience—serving as a powerful example of what hard work looks like in action.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

Erica joined THEI in 2026 as Transitions Program Manager, bringing more than a decade of experience shaped by a deep belief in education as a pathway to freedom.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Social Psychology from San Francisco State University. While in school, she spent over ten years volunteering inside San Quentin State Prison — an experience that fundamentally shaped her understanding of the connection between education and liberation.

From there, Erica spent four years with a Bay Area nonprofit supporting economic empowerment for formerly incarcerated individuals and low-income parents, then seven years at a Nashville-based nonprofit law firm focused on parole preparation and advocacy — walking alongside people through one of the most pivotal transitions of their lives.

She brings to THEI a guiding principle rooted in Ubuntu — "I am because we are" — and an unwavering conviction that opportunity and exposure are catalysts for change. We're so glad to have Erica on Team THEI. 💙

Meet Timothy Lenarduzzi, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus who continues to turn education into innovation and impact. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a degree in Aerospace Technology, Timothy has used his knowledge and creativity to build a unique path forward.

He is the creator of The Pretend Engineer (www.thepretendengineer.com), a vlog that reflects both his passion for engineering and his commitment to sharing his journey with others. Through this platform, Timothy blends skill, curiosity, and storytelling to inspire and connect.

Timothy consistently shows up and makes the most of every opportunity. His journey reflects autonomy, resilience, and intentional growth while leaving behind moments of hope, positivity, and possibility in every space he enters.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

We're still feeling the energy from our 4th Annual Path Forward Luncheon. 💙

Held at The Fisher Center at Belmont, this year's luncheon was our largest in four years. Over 200 lawmakers, business owners, judges, community leaders, religious leaders, and alumni filled the room, and our alumni were at the heart of it all, visible throughout the program as a living reminder of what becomes possible when justice-impacted individuals are met with opportunity and belief.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors — Belmont University, Wellpoint, HCA Healthcare, Pivotal Client Services, Doochin Family Trust, ONE Community, Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Marable Company, Dr. Marcia Millet, Spencer Fane LLP, Citizens, Brown Advisory, and La Keisha Armstrong — and the support of our incredible community of donors, we raised over $117,000 to directly sustain and grow THEI's programs.

Let's keep it going — donate here: thei.org/donate

Meet Jason Desrochers, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus who is redefining what purposeful reentry looks like. In less than six months since returning home, Jason has taken intentional steps to build not just stability, but a life rooted in connection, growth, and meaning.

From the start, Jason made it a priority to surround himself with the right people and opportunities, actively building a network that supports both his personal and professional development. Wherever he goes, he brings positivity, leadership, and a strong sense of community—uplifting others while staying grounded in his own journey. He is also cultivating a healthy, supportive relationship that reflects the life he is intentionally creating.

Jason’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you remain focused, committed, and open to growth. By keeping his head up and his mind aligned with his goals, he continues to show that consistency, mindset, and effort can truly transform your path forward in reentry.