MPI Field Manager NyEdra Turner, Training Specialist Tashee Poplous Graduate From NEIU

Congratulations are in order for Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) Field Manager NyEdra Turner and MPI Training Specialist Tashee Poplous who recently received their bachelor’s degrees from Northeastern Illinois University through its University Without Walls program.

Turner graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in social service, while Poplous graduated with a B.A. in social service and and a minor in community development. Their achievements serve as a testament to MPI’s continued interest in learning and professional development.

“What this degree means to me is that it signifies that I have a solid knowledge of social systems, human behavior, and community dynamics. I possess critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and a commitment to social justice and the values that are essential in Community Violence Intervention,” Turner said.

Poplous added, “This degree supports my work in violence prevention and intervention by helping me engage hyper-locally, build trust within the community, de-escalate conflict, and contribute to safety, healing, and sustainable change where it is needed most.”

University Without Walls is a self-paced program that builds on prior college-level learning gained outside of school and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Learn more about the program here.