DENTON (UNT), Texas — Haley Zettler, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of North Texas, is spearheading innovative programs to aid incarcerated individuals’ successful reentry into society. Zettler heads the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, launched in 2022, which fosters dialogue between UNT students and incarcerated individuals, focusing on perceptions of crime and the legal system.
Having just completed its fourth semester, the program involves over 125 participants, serving as a transformative educational experience. Adam Trahan, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at UNT, noted the program’s impact on reshaping participants’ views on crime.
Beyond the classroom, Zettler established the Inside-Out Alumni Think Tank, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the penal system and supporting reentry processes. The Think Tank has organized impactful events, such as the UNT Reentry Simulation, to spotlight the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals.
Lindsey White, a Think Tank member, highlighted Zettler’s influence as an educator, expressing the initiative’s significant role in shaping her career aspirations in clinical-forensic psychology.
In a broader scope, Zettler manages the North Texas Reentry Guide, an essential resource launched in 2024, intended to aid individuals in their post-incarceration transitions. This guide was developed through a collaborative effort, including participation from formerly incarcerated individuals, to provide comprehensive support in employment, housing, education, and mental health.
Her contributions extend to Denton County’s drug treatment court and reentry programs, where she assists in evaluating and implementing trauma-informed care strategies. Zettler emphasizes the importance of supporting reentering individuals for community benefit, stating that the majority of those incarcerated will return to society.
Zettler’s programs reflect a commitment to creating systems that support reintegration efforts, a crucial aspect as a significant portion of incarcerated individuals reintegrate into communities like Denton.