MDOC Announces L.E.A.D Academy as Part of Safe Prisons Initiative to Strengthen Facility Safety and Invest in Leaders

New Partnership with Michigan State University Will Develop the Next Generation of Corrections Professionals

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Corrections today announced the launch of the L.E.A.D Academy, a new leadership development program coming to the department this fall. The academy represents a key component of MDOC's Safe Prisons Initiative, which was launched in March 2026 to improve safety and security across the department's 26 prisons.

The Safe Prisons Initiative identified staff training and emerging leader development as priority areas. The L.E.A.D. Academy advances the initiative's training and staff support goals by investing in the people who carry out the department's mission every day and preparing them to lead with skill, integrity and professionalism.

"Our workforce is constantly evolving, and it is more important than ever that we are supporting our emerging leaders in a way that will create change-makers and thought-leaders in the correctional field," said MDOC Director, Heidi E. Washington. "Well-trained professional staff create safe facilities by stepping above the status quo to challenge themselves, and those around them, to go above and beyond. I am excited to empower our best and brightest employees to create positive change in themselves and for the department throughout the decades to come."

The L.E.A.D. Academy-which stands for Learn Today, Empower Tomorrow, Aspire Beyond, Develop a Legacy-is a four-phase leadership development pathway designed to support employee growth at every stage of a career.

MDOC has partnered with Michigan State University to develop a curriculum with a focus on leadership principles applied specifically to the corrections environment. The program emphasizes that daily conduct, communication, presence and professionalism all play a role in influencing others and contributing to safer facilities.

"Michigan State University is proud to partner with the MDOC on the L.E.A.D. Academy," said Vivian Aranda-Hughes, Assistant Professor, MSU School of Criminal Justice. "The curriculum is designed to help participants develop practical leadership skills rooted in communication, emotional intelligence, professionalism, and ethical decision-making. We are excited to support a program that invests in people and recognizes that leadership is demonstrated through the choices, actions, and influence individuals bring to their work every day."

Applicants are selected through a formal review process after applying for the program. Eligibility requirements include one year of MDOC employment, attainment of satisfactory status during the initial probationary period, and full commitment to the program including assignments outside the classroom.

Matthew Huntley will serve as the state administrative manager for the L.E.A.D. Academy. Huntley brings 20 years of service to the department, with experience as a corrections officer, sergeant, facility inspector, Emergency Response Team member and instructor and over a decade of work in training and curriculum development. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Huntley is known across the department for his dedication to leadership development and professional growth.

"I am honored to be part of this important investment in our corrections professionals," said Matthew Huntley, MDOC L.E.A.D. Academy Administrative Manager. "Throughout the development of this new section, the dedication of our leadership was evident, driven by a commitment to strengthen the growth of our future leaders for years to come. As it is often said, 'Leadership is not about being in charge; it is about making a lasting impact on those in your charge.'"

The Safe Prisons Initiative takes a comprehensive approach to improving prison safety by addressing five key areas: prisoner classification and bed space; contraband introduction and technology; prisoner programming; training and staff support; and recruitment and retention.

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