THE wiea mission
To provide hope and opportunities for prison inmates
Join us in reshaping lives and communities through faith based education.
our mission
Changing prison lives from the inside out through education
At the heart of the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association is a simple but powerful belief: every life has value, and every person has the potential to change. We exist to bring hope and opportunity to incarcerated individuals through one of the most transformative tools available—education.
In partnership with an accredited college, WIEA offers a unique, faith-based academic program within Wisconsin correctional institutions. Our flagship initiative provides incarcerated men the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Psychology, right where they are. But this isn’t just about academics—it’s about identity, purpose, and redemption.
We view prison not as an end, but as a turning point. By reaching students with a curriculum that integrates spiritual growth, moral development, and practical psychological insight, we aim to foster a deep, lasting transformation that begins internally and radiates outward—to families, to communities, and to society at large.
Our mission is rooted in a vision of long-term restoration:
- To reduce recidivism by equipping individuals with tools for self-awareness, emotional resilience, and ethical leadership.
- To create safer correctional environments by empowering inmates to become positive influences among their peers.
- To restore families and communities through the ripple effect of personal transformation.
- To inspire systemic change in how we approach correctional services, moving from punishment to purpose.
We call this movement Operation Transformation—because when even one life changes, the impact multiplies.
Organizations we are proud to partner with
our story
From concern to transformation
The Wisconsin Inmate Education Association (WIEA) was born out of a deep concern for the rising costs and ineffectiveness of the Wisconsin prison system. In 2015, state legislators began searching for meaningful reform and were inspired by a documentary featuring a successful seminary program in Angola Prison, Louisiana. The program’s impact on prison culture, recidivism, and community transformation sparked hope. Soon after, prison officials from Angola—including Warden Burl Cain—were invited to share their experience with Wisconsin leaders. A visit to Darrington Prison in Texas, where a similar model was thriving, solidified the vision.
In June 2016, WIEA was officially established to bring a similar model to Wisconsin. Trinity International University was selected to offer a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, and with full support from state leadership, including Governor Scott Walker, the program began to take shape. The first class launched in 2017 at Waupun Correctional Institution with 23 students. Since then, multiple cohorts have begun their studies, accreditation has been affirmed, and the program has expanded to additional correctional facilities. Today, WIEA continues to lead a movement that not only educates but truly transforms lives—inside and far beyond prison walls.
Mapping our graduates across Wisconsin
Since the start of the WIEA initiative in 2017, thirty-six inmates have graduated. Three have been released, with 28 now returning to the facility they came from or have been transferred to a different secure facility. As “Touchpoint” visits are now being made to are graduates around the State of Wisconsin, stories of transformation have been amazing!
board of directors
Our team of change makers
Robin Knoll
Dean of Students
Prior to joining the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association, Robin worked for Elmbrook Church, serving as Director of James Place – Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education, coming alongside students and teachers alike, listening to their needs and offering care and guidance. Prior to his time at the school, Robin served as President of Inspiration Ministries, a residential care provider for adults with disabilities. In addition to a 35-year industrial career that he left in 2005, he also served for 8-years as an Adjunct Professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Robin has also been involved in both Industrial and Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, concentrating on Pastoral Care, Crisis Intervention, Grief and Trauma Care and Critical Incident Stress Management.
Robin earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering and his M.A. in Religion with an emphasis on Pastoral Counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Andrew Murphy
Executive Director / Board Member
Andrew serves as Executive Director for WIEA. He graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a B.S. degree in criminal justice. He also serves on the board of another non-profit in Milwaukee focused on inner city youth and after incarceration housing. Andrew has a strong passion for discipleship and helping others in their walk with Christ despite their background challenges and life experience. Andrew is the proud father of 4 daughters
Sharon Vaught
Executive Assistant
Tom Keppeler
Board Member Tom Keppeler is Director of Partner Development at Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School. He recently served for three years as executive director of PRISM Economic Development Corporation where he developed and launched UpStart Kitchen, a food business incubator serving Milwaukee’s under-served neighborhoods. Tom is also a coach and mentor of emerging ministry and pastoral leaders, has served as a pastor for 13 years and missionary-educator for 18 years in Romania. He has a B.S Degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.A. in intercultural studies from Wheaton Graduate School, and a PhD in education from Trinity International University. Dr. Keppeler is married and has three grown children. In his spare time enjoys downhill & cross-country skiing, reading, cycling, and listening to his wife play the harp.Steven F. Mayer
Board Member
Steve Mayer graduated with a Master of Arts in Religion degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Steve is a businessman in Milwaukee and has served on various boards of organizations that aim to provide assistance to the under resourced in our community. Steve has three grown children and has been married to his wife Susan for 38 years.
Dr. Tom Nebel
Co-Chair of Board of Directors
Dr. Tom Nebel has a Master of Divinity degree from Denver Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He has served as the national Director of Church Planting for a Christian denomination, and during his tenure nearly 800 new churches were started across the US. He has authored six books on the subject of ministry improvement. He is a partner with GiANT Worldwide, an international leadership development consultancy.
Angela Otto, CPA
Board Member & Treasurer
Angie graduated with a B.S. degree in accounting from Carroll University and received her CPA license shortly thereafter. Angie provides assistance to the Treasurer in bookkeeping for WIEA. She has worked for other nonprofits and hopes to put her knowledge and experience to work for WIEA. Angie was honored to join the board and is excited about the transformation stories coming out of our Wisconsin prison system.
Scott Hower
Co-Chair of Board of Directors
Scott Hower has experience in real estate development and a background in engineering. He felt a strong desire to get involved after hearing about the life transformation taking place in prison systems across the country. His duties include attending meetings of our board of directors, voting on board decisions, assisting in the classroom build out project, and developing relationships with prison staff.
Dr. Daniel Green
Board Member
Dr. Daniel Green earned degrees from Trinity College (Trinity International University), Bradley University (M.A., Community Psychology), and University of Arkansas (Ph. D., Clinical Psychology). A Licensed Psychologist, he has served for 29 years as the Clinical Director of New Life Resources, Inc., a mental health clinic offering professional services in a Christian framework. He has faculty appointments with Trinity International University, Marquette University, Evangelical Theological Seminary of Prague and Charles University (Czechia). He is the author/co-author of 7 books and many articles. Dan has been married to Lynne for nearly 40 years and have a son, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren.