DENTON (UNT), Texas — Haley Zettler, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of North Texas, is pioneering initiatives to that promote successful reentry and provide support for incarcerated individuals.

Zettler, who launched Texas’ first Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program in 2022, brings together UNT students and incarcerated individuals to exchange perspectives on crime and the legal system.

“My passion for supporting reentry and helping incarcerated individuals began when I worked as an adult probation officer,” Zettler said. “I saw that people are more than their mistakes and wanted to give back. Combining my experience, research and relationships with community partners has allowed me to make an impact at UNT and beyond.”

The program, just completed its fourth semester, has engaged over 125 participants.

“The Inside-Out program offers students a life-changing experience that humanizes offenders and reshapes perceptions of crime,” said Adam Trahan, chair of UNT’s Department of Criminal Justice.

In addition to the program, Zettler created the Inside-Out Alumni Think Tank to help foster public education on the penal system and advocate for reentry support. The Think Tank has hosted events like the UNT Reentry Simulation, designed to raise awareness about the challenges face by those impacted by the justice system.

Lindsey White, an active Think Tank member, graduated with a master’s in criminal justice in May 2023 and is now pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology.

“Haley is a phenomenal educator who challenges her students to think beyond academia,” White said. “Through the Think Tank, I’ve gained friendship, perspective and hope. It’s helped me become a stronger advocate as I prepare for a career as a clinical-forensic psychologist.”

Zettler also directs the North Texas Reentry Guide, a project to help individuals reenter society post-incarceration. Launched in 2024, the guide was developed with support from Trahan, Criminal Justice Associate Professor Jessica Craig and Political Science Principal Lecturer Wendy Watson. The team received funding to attend the Education Justice Project at the University of Illinois’ inaugural reentry guide cohort training in Spring 2023. Alongside graduate and undergraduate research students and an advisory council of formerly incarcerated individuals, they collaborated to create this comprehensive resource for successful reintegration in North Texas.

Zettler’s work extends beyond UNT as she is involved in Denton County’s drug treatment court and reentry programs. Her contributions include evaluating the Denton County Drug Treatment Court and advancing trauma-informed care for participants. She is also a member of the Denton County MHMR Reentry Advisory Board.

“We need to focus on supporting individuals returning to the community after incarceration, as it affects us all,” Zettler said. “With 95% of those incarcerated eventually returning to society, it’s crucial we provide resources like higher education in prison and the North Texas Reentry Guide, which offers support on employment, housing, education and mental health to help ensure a successful reintegration.”