Pathways from Prison Program

Rev. Dr. Zaria F. Davis is a visionary leader, educator, and advocate committed to expanding access, opportunity, and transformative pathways for justice-impacted communities. She has been selected to serve as Director of Pathways from Prison and Community Impact at Claflin University, bringing more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, higher education, faith-based service, and criminal legal system reform. Her work is grounded in a deep belief in educational equity, restorative opportunity, and the leadership of directly impacted people.

Dr. Davis holds a DSW from Capella University, an MSW from the University of Cincinnati, a BA in Sociology from Wilberforce University, and an MDiv from Eden Theological Seminary. She holds a certificate in Restorative Practice from the International Institute for Restorative Practices Graduate School and is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Dr. Davis is a trained NC Certified Peer Support Specialist and Community Health Worker. Zaria has led and supported initiatives in prison education, reentry, leadership development, curriculum facilitation, advocacy, and cross-sector partnership building.

Before joining Claflin, she served in leadership and consulting roles with organizations including the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, Chicago Community Bond Fund, Pretrial Justice Institute, and Lincoln Heights Outreach, Inc. Across her career, she has advanced policies and programs supporting higher education access, community reintegration, and leadership development for people impacted by incarceration.

Zaria will represent Claflin University and serve as the Co-Director for the South Carolina Coalition For Higher Education in Prison (SCCHEP). Rev. Dr. Davis was recently selected for the Rockwood 2026 Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison cohort. Dr. Davis is excited to bring her knowledge and expertise to the university, SCDC scholars, and the Orangeburg community. As a part of her restorative practice, Rev. Dr. Davis enjoys hiking and connecting with nature.

Austin Partlow is a justice-impacted educator, strategist, and community leader whose work is centered on expanding access to education, leadership development, and successful reentry for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. After spending more than 27 years incarcerated, Partlow transformed his lived experience into a platform for service, advocacy, and institutional change.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Claflin University and has remained deeply connected to higher education in prison and reentry initiatives. In his role as Director of Prison Outreach, he serves as a bridge between Claflin University, incarcerated students, correctional institutions, and community partners, helping strengthen pathways from prison education to personal, professional, and community success.

Partlow is also Co-Founder and Chief Programs Officer of Salute 1st Inc., where he develops leadership, character, emotional-management, and trauma-informed programming for youth and justice-impacted populations. His work reflects a commitment to ensuring that education becomes not only a credential, but a vehicle for transformation, dignity, and opportunity.