LEXINGTON, KY (September 23, 2024) — This summer, the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW) welcomed Kayla Powell as the new Director of Student Engagement and Experience (SEE). In her role, Powell is dedicated to ensuring that every student at CoSW feels supported, seen, and empowered to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
In 2023, CoSW launched the SEE Hub, a comprehensive resource center where students can easily access University-wide services related to academic support, social connections, emotional well-being, physical health, and career development. The SEE Hub also includes a regularly updated calendar of events for students to engage with on campus.
Powell is passionate about “resource bridging,” helping students find and utilize the support they need, whether in person or online. Her vision is to make CoSW feel like home for every student.
“No one should feel alone or left behind during their college journey,” Powell said. “Our goal at CoSW is to create an environment that makes students feel connected and supported, no matter where they are on campus or in life.”
This September, Powell is especially focused on helping students prioritize self-care. She has spearheaded several initiatives to encourage students to take proactive steps toward maintaining their mental health and well-being. These efforts include a Self-Care Mindset Workshop for students, held in collaboration with Meghan Wolf with UK POWER.
“Self-care isn’t just about taking breaks. It’s about being intentional and proactive with your well-being,” Powell said. “Our campus offers so many resources, from free TalkSpace therapy sessions to mental health workshops, that can make a difference in how students manage stress and build resilience. I encourage every student to take advantage of available resources and implement practical steps towards better self-care.”
3 recommended resources for promoting student wellbeing:
- TalkSpace: provides students with 2 live sessions/month and unlimited asynchronous messaging with therapists in all 50 states, even for students abroad, free of charge.
- Center for Student Support and Intervention: CSI provides comprehensive support to distressed students, connecting them to campus and community resources for well-being and success.
- Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources [POWER]: POWER provides inclusive and innovative health promotion programs and resources that promote physical, mental, and social health.
About Kayla Powell
As the Director of SEE, Powell’s responsibilities extend beyond student wellness. She collaborates with recruitment, admissions, advising, and retention teams to ensure that CoSW students have a seamless and fulfilling educational journey. Her role is designed to provide holistic support to students at every stage of their academic careers, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed both in and outside the classroom.
Powell has been part of the University of Kentucky community for 15 years. Her extensive background includes experience in Enrollment Management, where she focused on admissions, recruitment, and orientation. She also spent six years as an academic advisor in the Lewis Honors College. A PhD candidate in the Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation program, Powell is committed to enhancing student engagement and empowerment at CoSW.
Students are encouraged to reach out to Powell with any questions regarding student engagement or resources at CoSW. She can be contacted via email at kayla.powell@uky.edu or found in her office at POT 639.
For more information on self-care events and resources, visit the SEE Hub on the College of Social Work website.
