March 9, 2026, Western Michigan University President, Russ Kavalhuna, visited the WMU-Coldwater campus for the first time since becoming president of the university in 2025. Lakeland Correctional Facility (LCF) in Coldwater, Michigan, is home to the WMU Higher Education for the Justice Involved (HEJI) program. Efrén Paredes Jr. is one of the 37 students currently enrolled in the progam who are pursuing Bachelor of Liberal Arts degrees with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies.

In addition to HEJI students attending the event, Dr. Dale Brown, HEJI Program Director, and other HEJI administrative staff, including Macgwire Hidden and Sacelia Strong-Sangster, were also present. LCF Warden Russ Rurka and members of his adminstration were in attendance as well.

Prior to the event, HEJI administrators invited students to submit prose or poetry writings for possible selection to be read during President Kavalhuna’s visit. Efrén’s submission was among six messages selected to be read that day. Each student read their own writing or had someone read it on their behalf in their absence. In addition to sharing his message, Efrén was asked to also introduce the WMU President at the conclusion of his reading.

President Kavalhuna delivered a moving and impactful message to all in attendance. Along with sharing glimpses of his personal academic and professional journey, he inspired students to remain dedicated to their coursework and doing their best. He also thanked HEJI administrators for their positive contributions to helping make the program a success, and expressed his gratitude to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and facility administrators for their partnership and providing space for WMU to operate.

After responding to all the pre-submitted questions he was provided, President Kavalhuna fielded additional questions from students and interacted with all attendees He also took photographs with the entire HEJI student body, and was photographed with each of the student cohorts individually.

The event was a positive experience for all. Below is the text of the message that Efrén shared prior to introducing President Kavalhuna.

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As a proud undergraduate student in my junior year attending Western Michigan University’s Higher Education for the Justice Involved (HEJI) program, it has brought me immense joy to witness the transformative power of this program’s impact in my life, as well as in the lives of my learning partners.

In 2023, twenty-two individuals were selected for enrollment in the first HEJI student cohort at the WMU-Coldwater campus. As time passed by, we began expanding our inner worlds and experiencing profound change. We also began building community in a housing unit we share together. People once strangers have become friends — like family in many instances — and are helping one another foster a culture of care and learning.

Our growth is touching the lives of other individuals as well. When I am on visits with family and friends, or talking to them on the telephone, I frequently share the lessons I learn in my classes with them. I also write about them in articles and essays I publish. These moments have helped inspire my daughter to embark on her own college journey as a sophomore in high school through a middle college program she will begin participating in next year.

Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills through the HEJI program is helping students make better choices during our incarceration, and prepare for our eventual return to society. We are steadily growing and learning, and preparing for the day when we can rejoin our communities as returning citizens. We look forward to showing the world through the power of our example, that every human being is more than their worst mistake, and we each possess the enormous capacity for change.

As a proud part of the HEJI program, I remain committed to working diligently on my continued personal evolution, and doing all I can to help forge a bright future for the WMU-Coldwater campus. With the second cohort of wonderful WMU students here with us today, and a third cohort on the way, we aspire to leave a legacy of higher education that endures far beyond our graduations. President Kavalhuna, thank you for your leadership and for your long-awaited visit to our campus.

Please welcome Western Michigan University President Russ Kavalhuna.

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