CEW+ celebrates Myron’s exceptional resilience and names him a Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Scholar.

Myron Wood is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health and human services from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. In his words, Myron was the “product of a broken home,” and at a young age, he decided that living on the streets was preferable to facing the violence in his household. Tragically, Myron was incarcerated for over 30 years between 1988 and 2019. However, “prison became a space of deep reflection, spiritual growth, and appreciation,” Myron writes. He used that time for self-improvement, including earning his GED while inside. He also gave selflessly to others: he taught fellow inmates how to read, mentored men who had lost hope, and helped new inmates how to survive prison life.

After his release, Myron immediately enrolled in Oakland Community College even though he had never seen a laptop, had no internet skills, and had no idea how to navigate a college environment. He stayed late in the library asking for help when he needed it. He spent time in the writing center to learn how to write professionally. He used the same mindset that kept him grounded during his incarceration: “Never give up.”

Myron transferred to UM-Dearborn in 2023 via the Support, Opportunities, Advocacy, and Resources (SOAR) program for returning adult learners. Now, Myron serves as a mentor in the SOAR program and volunteers with various campus organizations. He was invited to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program, where he researched mental health concerns affecting former inmates. His academic achievements include earning dean’s list recognition at Oakland Community College and nomination to the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Beyond academics, Myron has authored a three-book series aimed at helping young people avoid the mistakes he made. His envisions speaking in prisons, churches, and schools to demonstrate that transformation is possible.

CEW+ celebrates Myron’s exceptional resilience and names him a Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Scholar.