Patrick W. Berry, associate professor of writing and rhetoric in the College of Arts and Sciences, was recently featured in a Syracuse.com Q&A exploring his leadership philosophy, personal story and his work with Project Mend, a community-based writing and multimodal publishing initiative that supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. He describes his role with Project Mend as “creating a space where people can be heard.”

The conversation touched on Berry’s approach to leadership, including the importance of listening, seeing the good in others and fostering authentic community. Drawing from both his academic work and personal experiences, he highlights how the arts can serve as a powerful tool for healing, education and social connection.

The Q&A follows Berry’s recent recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Syracuse Prize from CNY Arts in honor of his leadership of Project Mend. Through programs such as paid editorial and design apprenticeships and the publication of Mend, the initiative centers the voices and creative work of people directly impacted by incarceration. Earlier this year, Mend celebrated the release of its fourth volume.