Jarret Orcutt, who coordinates the Justice Involved Education (JIVE) program at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), has been appointed to the Nevada Sentencing Commission by Governor Joe Lombardo. The appointment underscores Nevada’s approach to involving individuals with lived experience in justice system reform and reentry policy.
The Nevada Sentencing Commission is a 27-member body established to review sentencing practices, assess their impact, and advise lawmakers on improvements. Its goal is to ensure policies are data-driven and support public safety while reducing recidivism. By appointing a formerly incarcerated individual like Orcutt, the state signals its commitment to including diverse perspectives in policy decisions.
Orcutt’s background includes nearly two decades of incarceration before he pursued higher education as a means of personal growth and professional development. He said, “When you’ve lived through the system, you carry those stories with you. My hope is to make sure those voices are heard—not just my own, but the voices of students who are proving every day that second chances work.”
He has maintained a 4.0 GPA at TMCC and expects to graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Career Technical Education and Leadership. Orcutt also plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration at the University of Nevada, Reno.
As leader of TMCC’s JIVE program, Orcutt supports students who are incarcerated or reentering society by connecting them with academic resources, workforce training, and community partnerships aimed at reducing barriers such as housing and employment. The JIVE program reports less than a 4% recidivism rate among its students along with semester-to-semester persistence rates above the college average.
“Nevada’s justice-involved students remind us that change is possible. My appointment is not about me—it’s about showing that their resilience belongs in the policies we create,” Orcutt stated.
Looking forward, he advocates for increased access to educational programs within correctional facilities, comprehensive reentry services upon release, and fair hiring practices for people with criminal records. “Reentry succeeds when people leave prison with skills, education, and a real opportunity to work,” he said. “Nevada’s workforce needs talent, and justice-involved Nevadans are an untapped resource ready to contribute.”
For more information about these initiatives or support services for justice-involved individuals at TMCC, contact the Career Hub.