Bridging Campuses and Classrooms: Clemson Students Join Phillips State Prison through Common Good Atlanta
At 6:00 a.m., six Clemson University students departed South Carolina to arrive by 8:00 a.m. at Phillips State Prison—ready to dive into deep conversation and shared learning with students in the Common Good Atlanta classroom.
Maddalyn Knaack, Kristie Alianiello, Sophie Roehrborn, Emily Buchholz, Maggie Stack, and Asheton Holden are part of Dr. Nancy Paxton-Wilson’s Creative Inquiry class at Clemson University. Under Paxton-Wilson’s mentorship, the students replicated her Socratic-style course at Phillips, where dialogue is led by students and grounded in thoughtful analysis and exchange.
Together, the Phillips/Clemson class read and discussed:
The Norwegian Prison System: Halden and Beyond by Are Høidal and Nina Hansen
Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (a recently banned book)
Conversations were often lively and passionate — a true testament to the power of engaged, intellectual debate.
Reflections from Clemson Students
Maddalyn Knaack, a communication major who has attended every class and Writing Studio session, shares:
“I’ve been going into Phillips for almost a year now, and it has been, without a doubt, the most meaningful part of my college experience.
Sitting in a room with men who are eager to learn, share their stories, and challenge ideas has been eye-opening. These men are funny, extremely knowledgeable, proficient writers — and above all else, human.
It’s tragic that in the U.S. prison system, punishment often comes with the stripping of basic dignity. Yet, despite everything, their commitment to learning is remarkable.
Many tell us our class is the only thing they look forward to. Knowing I’ve impacted their lives as much as they’ve impacted mine is something I will always remember.”
Sophie Roehrborn writes:
“Being part of this class has been one of my favorite undergraduate experiences. Discussing books like Catcher in the Rye and Soledad Brother led to deep, critical conversations about justice, dignity, and what it means to be free — even behind bars. These discussions constantly challenged my perspective and reminded me of the power of literature and dialogue.”
Maggie Stack adds:
“Engaging with the students at Phillips changed my experience at Clemson. Their thoughtful takes on current events and classic literature — and helping them develop their own writing and art — gave me rare, valuable hands-on experience.
They bring light into the room, and I always leave feeling like I’ve made a difference. I’m proud of what I’ve shared, but even more grateful for what I’ve learned from them.”
Kristie Alianiello reflects:
“Volunteering at Phillips changed how I see things. Building relationships with the guys helped break down all the stereotypes I had about prison. Many of them have been judged by the worst thing they’ve ever done, without anyone seeing who they are beyond that.”
Emily Buchholz writes:
“During my visits with Dr. Paxton-Wilson and our CI team, I had the empowering experience of connecting through thoughtful dialogue. The conversations around The Catcher in the Rye surprised me — the themes resonated in ways I hadn’t expected.
This experience challenged stereotypes I didn’t even know I held. I’ll carry that compassion and clarity with me into my future.”
From the Inside: Words from Shane Hinkson
CGA student Shane Hinkson has mentored Clemson students throughout this collaboration. His reflections capture the deep meaning of this partnership:
“Our collaboration with the Clemson students has gifted me with the rarest resource for an incarcerated man — hope.
It’s allowed me to witness young people — both incarcerated and free — realize the power they hold to transform themselves and the world around them. Everyone who steps into that classroom becomes part of a collective that makes a real difference.
Dignity and humanity are far more effective tools than retribution. After just a few classes, we’ve seen people profoundly changed.
The memories we’ve made with Clemson students give us strength to endure the darkest parts of incarceration. Knowing our work will ripple out into the next generation — that’s all any human can hope for.”
Sharing the Work
In February, the Creative Inquiry class hosted an exhibit at Clemson’s Cooper Library showcasing original artwork, essays, and testimonies created by Phillips students. The display even included a recreation of the CI logo on handmade paper.
In April, CGA alumnus C Jay Tarwater joined the class via a recorded Zoom interview. Students Maddalyn Knaack, Kristie Alianiello, and Averi Brice interviewed Tarwater about his views on recidivism and life after incarceration, following their reading of his article, The Mind Oppressed: Recidivism as a Learned Behavior.
The Clemson team also presented their work — including their partnership with Phillips — at the Creative Inquiry Poster Forum in May.
Looking Ahead
Clemson students are already planning their return to Phillips this fall. Four current and four new students will participate, and both groups are actively working together to design a fresh reading list.
This collaboration is also sparking long-term impact. Paxton-Wilson, Maddalyn Knaack, and Clemson alumnus Gage Carlton (who attended Phillips classes in 2023) are working to launch a nonprofit in South Carolina: The Restorative Scholars Initiative.
The initiative is in development and can be followed at @restorativescholarsinitiative. Stay tuned for updates!
This is what learning looks like. This is what community looks like. This is what hope looks like.
We’re proud to support this work — and to continue creating spaces where education transforms lives on both sides of the classroom door.
