FCI Hazelton Presentations

Sharing Hope at FCI Hazelton

On September 9, 2025, I had the privilege of visiting FCI Hazelton, where Warden Ken Hoover welcomed me and supported my presentations to both the men at the medium-security FCI and those confined at the adjacent camp. I am grateful to him and to the entire Hazelton team for making the visit possible.

Meeting the People

Whenever I visit a federal prison, I carry with me the lessons I learned during the 26 years I served. I know firsthand how important it is for people serving time to see hope, and to understand that they have the power to influence their futures—even while confined. At Hazelton, I had the chance to share that message with groups of men who were eager to listen and engage.

Advocating for Change

I explained the efforts I am making to advocate for reforms that will allow more people to earn freedom through merit. That advocacy depends on real stories—stories of people who show discipline, make good decisions, and prepare deliberately for success. I encouraged the men at Hazelton to help us strengthen that advocacy by lowering incident reports, avoiding disciplinary problems, and documenting their progress.

Building Profiles

I urged participants to memorialize their journeys by building profiles on PrisonProfessors.org. By writing biographies, keeping journals, filing book reports, and drafting release plans, they not only create a personal roadmap but also demonstrate, in measurable and transparent ways, that they are living as the CEO of their lives.

When these efforts are recorded and visible, we can point to them as proof that people in prison are striving for excellence. This record makes it more difficult for stakeholders to ignore the value of creating incentives for growth, accountability, and preparation.

A Pathway Forward

It was important to me that the men in Hazelton saw a pathway forward—a way to use their time productively, build hope, and prepare for better outcomes. By taking ownership of their reentry preparation today, they improve their chances for success tomorrow.

I left FCI Hazelton with gratitude for Warden Hoover and his staff, and with renewed conviction that together we can expand opportunities for people in custody to demonstrate excellence and earn greater liberty through merit.

Would you like me to also draft a single “Hazelton Complex” recap article (covering USP, FCI, camp, and the women’s facility together) for your site, so you have both the individual articles and a unified piece?

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