Alexander Honored with National Award for Prison Education Book

Patrick Elliot Alexander, an Associate Professor of English and African American Studies at the University of Mississippi, has gained national recognition for his contributions to prison education. His co-edited book, Teaching Literature and Writing in Prisons, has won the 2025 Teaching Literature Book Award, awarded by the Idaho State University Department of English and Philosophy.

In collaboration with Sheila Smith McKoy, CEO and Founder of Smith McKoy & Associates, Alexander’s volume features insights from university faculty, graduate students, and incarcerated individuals. The book addresses the complexities and realities of teaching literature and writing within U.S. prison systems.

Significance of the Award

The Teaching Literature Book Award is a prestigious accolade recognizing outstanding contributions to literature education at the college level. Awarded biennially, it is determined by a committee of experts in literature and pedagogy from Idaho State University’s graduate English programs. Nominations undergo a rigorous review process by both internal and external reviewers.

Jurors praised Teaching Literature and Writing in Prisons for its accessibility and critical insights. One juror highlighted that the book “expands awareness of where and why the teaching of literature happens in the U.S. today.” Another noted its applicability beyond prison settings, stating that the goals of such courses resonate with educators across various fields.

Focusing primarily on college-level instruction, the book illustrates how literature and writing can empower incarcerated individuals to build community, reflect on their experiences, and envision new futures. The contributors candidly discuss the obstacles faced in prison education, including limitations on teaching materials. Despite these challenges, the book underscores the enduring importance of the humanities in educational settings.

Voices of Appreciation

Jessica Winston, Professor of English and Chair of the Award Committee, acknowledged the growing involvement of university faculty in prison teaching. She remarked, “This book helps these instructors with theories and approaches. It also provides motivation and advice to anyone who wants to start teaching in a detention center or prison.”

In response to receiving the award, Alexander and Smith McKoy expressed profound gratitude, stating, “The award recognizes what we value and what our volume’s contributors value. It affirms a vibrant community of learners and educators whose love for and enrichment of the study of literature and writing are — and have long been — significant.” They further noted that the award highlights the “abolitionist perspectives and freedom movements that have shaped our culture and have defined our shared work,” concluding with a heartfelt, “We are incredibly grateful.”

Teaching Literature and Writing in Prisons was published by the Modern Language Association in 2023. The 2025 award committee included notable figures such as Rachel Sanger Buurma from Swarthmore College and Margaret Cantu-Sanchez from St. Mary’s University, alongside Idaho State University faculty members.