I have had the privilege of knowing Scotty Carper, and I want to express my admiration for the commitment he has shown to personal growth and accountability. His story is a testament to the power of self-discipline, education, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—values that align closely with the mission of Prison Professors Talent.
Scotty became an ambassador for our message while he was still serving time, using his voice to inspire others. Through his newsletter, he regularly documented his journey—showing not only his personal transformation but also encouraging others to take ownership of their future. He didn’t just talk about change; he demonstrated it daily. By teaching classes, mentoring others, and earning the respect of both his peers and prison staff, Scotty became a leader in his environment.
When I visited the federal prison in Leavenworth to present Preparing for Success after Prison, I finally had the opportunity to meet Scotty in person. Everything I had read about him rang true. His work ethic, his commitment to growth, and his genuine desire to uplift others were evident in every interaction.
After his release, Scotty continued on his trajectory of success. He joined forces with my partner, Justin, and later, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with him and his father, Don, during a presentation I gave at UC Berkeley. Seeing Scotty on the other side of incarceration, thriving and contributing, reinforced what I have always believed—preparation inside leads to opportunities outside.
Scotty Carper embodies the principles we advocate: personal accountability, hard work, and a commitment to becoming better every day. His journey serves as an example for anyone striving to rebuild and emerge stronger after a personal crisis.
Scotty even participated in a video interview with me sot hat I could teach more people in prison:
https://youtu.be/EgPWQCkfD_A
I consider him a friend, and will always use him as a role model, or portrait of excellence for people who want to recalibrate.
