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Lindsey Downs

Majored in Public Policy Leadership, Minored in English
University of Mississippi, Class of 2024
From Iuka, MS
Lindsey Downs is a dedicated scholar with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy Leadership, a minor in English, and is beginning a graduate program in Communications. Her academic journey is driven by a profound commitment to addressing pressing societal issues, particularly focusing on lowering Mississippi's incarceration population through innovative rehabilitation strategies targeting individuals with mental illnesses and those grappling with alcohol and drug addiction. Believing fervently in the power of second chances, Lindsey advocates for front-end rehabilitation programs aimed at providing support and resources to individuals at risk of incarceration. Her passion for social justice and equity motivates her to work tirelessly towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Beyond her academic pursuits, Lindsey is an active member of The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, where she actively engages in initiatives aimed at fostering leadership skills among college students. Additionally, she serves as a mentor to those re-entering society after terms of incarceration and to individuals struggling with personal addiction issues, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Lindsey's dedication to creating positive change, coupled with her academic excellence and commitment to service, exemplifies her as a compassionate leader and advocate for social justice. Through her efforts, she embodies the values of scholarship, leadership, and service, making a tangible impact on her college community and beyond.
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University of Mississippi
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Walnut High School

University of Mississippi Celebrates December 2024 Graduate Lindsey Downs

Lindsey Downs, of Iuka, MS, is among the more than 630 students who graduated from the University of Mississippi in December 2024. Downs, who majored in Public Policy Leadership, received a Bachel...

February, 07 2025 - Verified by University of Mississippi
Lindsey Downs Named to University of Mississippi Fall 2024 Chancellor's Honor Roll

Lindsey Downs, of Iuka, MS, was named to the University of Mississippi's Fall 2024 Honor Roll lists. Downs, in the M.S. in Integrated Mktg. Communication program, was named to the Chancellor's Hon...

January, 27 2025 - Verified by University of Mississippi
Lindsey Downs Named to UM Fall 2023 Chancellor's Honor Roll

Lindsey Downs, of Iuka, MS, was named to the University of Mississippi's Fall 2023 Honor Roll lists. Downs, majoring in Public Policy Leadership, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is...

January, 26 2024 - Verified by University of Mississippi
Clinical Assistant at Recovery for Women

Perform routine equipment maintenance tasks. Performing routine, non-clinical patient care tasks. Assisting therapists with transporting and preparing patients for treatments. Maintaining inventory supplies, ordering stock, and keeping stock areas clean and organized. Completing paperwork and updating patient files.

October 2022 - Present
Data Analysis at NFusion- Region IV Mental Helath Care

Collected data from youth ages 14-21 and their caregivers to verify the effectiveness of the performance of the program. Analyzed data to further study each child's individual accomplishments while preparing written reports for supervisors.

October 2012 - August 2014
Coach at Shining Star Gymnastics

Developed an instructional program for the gymnastics and cheer students. Observed and spotted athletes as they perform on the various apparatus. Lead and supervised children as young as two years old and as old as sixteen. Met with parents and family of students on a regular basis to discuss development of skills of each student attending class.

January 2010 - July 2015
Redefining Justice: A Pilot Initiative for Front-End Rehabilitation in Mississippi
This paper explores the urgent need for front-end rehabilitation programs in Mississippi’s criminal justice system to address the cycles of poverty, addiction, and incarceration perpetuated by punitive policies. Focusing on a proposed pilot program in Pontotoc County, it highlights the integration of existing community resources- mental health services, addiction recovery, education, and job readiness training- into the local jail system. Inspired by successful models like Northeast Mississippi Community College’s inmate education programs and Lafayette County Detention Center’s mental health initiatives, the program seeks to equip inmates with tools for rebuilding their lives through peer-led addiction support, GED and vocational training, and work placement opportunities. By tackling challenges such as funding through grants and reinvestment of incarceration cost savings, this initiative aims to transform jails into hubs of rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and serve as a scalable model for systemic reform across Mississippi.
December 2024 - Others
The Evolution of Republican Criminal Justice Policies
This paper provides an overview of the evolution of the Republican Party's stance on criminal justice policies. It follows the history of the conservative party from the era of tough-on-crime to becoming a modern-day driving force behind criminal justice reform. The paper examines the historical context, ideological shifts, and bipartisan developments that have shaped this evolution. It also highlights the financial strain of mass incarceration and influential conservative figures such as Newt Gingrich and Bernard Kerik, who played a crucial role in advocating for policy reforms. Despite partisan divides, there is a growing bipartisan consensus on the necessity of criminal justice reform. The paper emphasizes the Republican Party's current role as an advocate for a more balanced, fair, and effective criminal justice system that aligns with conservative values.
December 2023 - Classwork
From Convict to Citizen: Prioritizing Recovery in Corrections
In contemporary discussions surrounding the purpose of incarceration, the predominant emphasis on punishment has led to a revolving cycle of recidivism and mass incarceration within the justice system. This Op-Ed argues for a paradigm shift towards prioritizing rehabilitation as the core purpose of incarceration. Drawing from existing research and empirical evidence, it highlights the ineffectiveness of punitive measures in addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and advocates for a more holistic approach centered on rehabilitation.
October 2023 - Others
The Prevalence of Comorbid Mental Health Issues and Addiction Leading to Incarceration
This paper explores the prevalence of comorbid mental health issues and addiction that lead to incarceration in the United States. It examines current criminal justice policies that seek to combat the symptoms of these issues rather than the root problems. It then evaluates the recent punitive reforms and their ineffectiveness in reducing the prison population. The paper further considers policy alternatives, such as early intervention and widespread diversion programs. It provides recommendations to reduce the incarcerated population and recidivism in Mississippi, including the implementation of an evidence-based diversion program, to be known as the Mississippi Second Chance Program (MSCP), in each county jail. The MSCP will aim to treat mental health and addiction while teaching necessary education, life, and job skills.
March 2023 - Presentations
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