Distinguished Alumni: Retired U.S. Federal Bureau of Prison Director

The Lappin name in Stow has been synonymous with locally grown produce for many years and now the name will be linked to an alumni award.

Harley Lappin, a '74 Stow High School graduate, is perhaps more notably known nationwide for his role as the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

He will be recognized and honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for career achievement, having brought distinction to himself and benefit to his community during .

Lappin, who retired last spring, served as director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, the largest correctional system in the United States, where he was responsible for 210,000 inmates and 38,000 employees since 2003. His 25-year career with the bureau began as a college intern at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, MI.

Lappin is now the chief corrections officer and executive vice president of the Corrections Corporation of America, the largest private prison company in the country.

In high school Lappin said he knew then he wanted to attend college. During his senior year he won the AAA State Wrestling Championship, and his athletic abilities earned him a scholarship to attend Indiana University.

Lappin recalls two teachers, now deceased, who played a significant role in the lifelong value of his high school.

“Miss Delores (Maag) Wilson urged me to participate in student council, and it required public speaking — something I wasn’t comfortable with at that time. I did it, and ultimately I became president,” he said.

“ also had a huge impact on me both as a teacher and a mentor. He was a great guy. He taught me about making good decisions and taking responsibility for my actions, Lappin said.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic studies from IU, he returned to Stow and worked with his parents, Harley and Betty Lappin, farming greenhouse tomatoes, flowers, sweet corn, celery and pumpkins. 

Lappin attended graduate school at Kent State University and earned a master’s degree in criminal justice. At 29-years-old he accepted an internship in recreation at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where he later became a case manager.

Lappin has lived throughout the country from California to Georgia and Maryland and said Stow is a great community focused on family values.

“While I was in Stow, it was a strong family oriented community who took care of its kids,” he said. “I have lived in many places and traveled the globe and I have much to compare Stow to, and I still think it’s one of the best places to raise a family.”

Lappin will serve as co-Grand Marshal at the Homecoming parade with . He will also spend a day at his alma mater visiting and talking with students.

A special ticket-only brunch will be on Oct. 8 in honor of the Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients. For ticket information, call 330-689-5445 or email st_padula@smfcsd.org.