THE wiea mission
Faith-based programs provide hope and opportunities for prison inmates
our mission
Changing prison lives from the inside out through the power of the Gospel
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.- 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.
Organizations we are proud to partner with
When you give, lives change
Our mission is bold—and it’s only possible through your generosity. Your donation equips students with a path to purpose, faith, and freedom—even from behind bars.Full tuition for students earning accredited degrees
Support and discipleship from our Dean of Students
Collaboration with churches to bring in hope and healing
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 is a passionate advocate for Gospel-centered prison transformation, serving on the boards of two nonprofit organizations focused on education, discipleship, and reentry support for incarcerated men. He also occupies the nonprofit chair on the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Council on Offender Reentry, helping shape statewide efforts to support successful reintegration. With a background in criminal justice and a gift for building partnerships and community collaboration, Andrew brings both strategic insight and a shepherd’s heart to his work. He is also a devoted father to his four daughters.Sharon Vaught
Executive Assistant
Since joining WIEA in 2020, Sharon Vaught has been blessed by witnessing the incredible impact of the generous partners of WIEA. She finds joy in seeing how their acts of faithfulness are used by God to transform lives. With nearly 20 years of experience serving in non-profit organizations and churches, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. Sharon holds a double major in Biblical Studies & Theology and Youth & Family Ministries, grounding her work in both deep theological understanding and a heart for people. She resides in Southern Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
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.