From Prison to PhD, the Inspiring Life and Work of Dr. Stanley Andrisse

Before Stan Andrisse was sentenced to ten years in prison for a Class A drug felony, the prosecutor had asked for a life sentence, suggesting that the defendant was irredeemable.  In the years since, Stan, now “Dr. Andrisse” has proved this attorney and many others wrong.  While in prison, he discovered an interest in science and endocrinology and today is a tenured professor at the Howard University College of Medicine.  To create similar opportunities and career paths for others who are or have been incarcerated, he founded the nonprofit From Prison Cells to PhD. 

 

Chapters:  

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Stan Andrisse 
This chapter introduces Dr. Stan Andrisse a tenured faculty member at Howard University and the founder of “From Prison Cells to PhD.”  

02:40 Early Life and Incarceration 
Dr. Andrisse discusses his childhood in Ferguson, Missouri, and how he became involved in illegal activities from a young age. He describes his progression from minor trouble to serious drug dealing, leading to multiple felony convictions and facing a potential life sentence under the three-strikes law. 

07:58 The Incarceration of the Mind 
Stan reflects on the profound psychological impact of being labeled a career criminal and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He emphasizes that the ‘incarceration of the mind’ is more damaging than physical imprisonment and describes how a mentor helped him begin to overcome this despair. 

12:58 Mentor and Path to Education 
Stan details the pivotal role of Dr. Barry Bodie, who supported him during his sentencing and continued to mentor him in prison. He explains how reading scientific articles, prompted by his father’s death from diabetes, liberated his mind and ignited his passion for science, leading to his acceptance into St. Louis University despite multiple rejections. 

22:33 Talent, Opportunity, and Innovation 
Stan discusses his philosophy that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not, using his own journey as an example. He highlights the untapped brilliance within incarcerated individuals, arguing that with resources and opportunities, their innovative problem-solving skills could benefit society greatly. 

28:40 From Prison Cells to PhD: The Organization 
Stan explains how his personal transformation inspired the creation of “From Prison Cells to PhD,” a nonprofit scaling the mentorship and resource provision he received. He shares the organization’s three core tenets: peer mentorship, community building, and connecting people to resources, detailing its significant success in helping formerly incarcerated individuals pursue higher education and careers. 

34:07 Impact and Pen Pal Program 
Stan discusses the remarkable matriculation and GPA rates of participants in his “From Prison Cells to PhD” program. He explains how the organization reaches incarcerated individuals through partnerships with correctional facilities and its impactful pen pal program, which provides a vital connection to the outside world and instills hope, preventing recidivism. 

41:35 The Drive to Succeed and Give Back 
Stan highlights the unique motivation and grit of formerly incarcerated individuals, driven by a desire to prove their worth and contribute positively to society. He notes that their experiences with hardship often translate into loyalty, hard work, and a commitment to making communities better and safer. 

45:29 Breaking Chains, Building Futures, and Final Thoughts 
Stan discusses his new book, “Breaking Chains, Building Futures,” which features diverse stories of individuals helped by his organization.  He encourages listeners to support “From Prison Cells to PhD” through their website and social media, emphasizing the continued inspiration he draws from his father’s motto: “It’s Never Too Late to Do Good.”