Lexington, KY (September 26, 2024) – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Lyman T. Johnson Awards, which honor individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through faith, perseverance, and leadership.
Dr. Shericka Smith, a distinguished alumna, will receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award. Smith’s career is a testament to her commitment to mental health and education. After earning her undergraduate degree from Transylvania University and a Master’s in School Social Work from the University of Louisville, Dr. Smith was named Kentucky’s School Social Worker of the Year in 2016. In 2020, she co-founded Wellness Within, a mental health practice that has grown to employ 11 therapists.
Smith’s passion for education and mental health led her to graduate from the University of Kentucky’s Doctor of Social Work Program in 2022, where her research resulted in the development of the Cultural Trauma Questionnaire, a tool now utilized by clinicians nationwide. She also serves as the Crisis Response Team Lead for Fayette County Public Schools and has recently been named a fellow in the School Crisis Recovery & Renewal Project Leadership Fellowship for 2024-2025.
Deja Joseph, a senior at the university pursuing her BASW, will be honored with the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award. Deja’s journey, shaped by resilience and dedication, began when her family relocated to Kentucky after Hurricane Katrina. Now in her final year at UK, Deja has excelled academically, having begun taking college credits while still in high school, positioning herself to graduate a year early. Beyond her academic achievements, Deja is deeply committed to service, currently working as a caregiver for a teen with special needs—a role that has profoundly influenced her aspirations in social work.
The awards will be presented at the 34th Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 11th where the University will celebrate the outstanding achievements of these two remarkable individuals alongside recipients among units across campus. You can read more about Lyman T. Johnson here.
