LEXINGTON, Ky. — Thirty-three Master of Social Work (MSW) students from the University of Kentucky participated in an orientation at Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston as part of the U.S. Army–University of Kentucky MSW Program, preparing them for upcoming practicum placements focused on behavioral health and military social work.
Hosted at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), the orientation introduced students to the structure, expectations, and professional responsibilities of military social work practice. The cohort is composed of Army officers representing a wide range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences.
The U.S. Army–University of Kentucky MSW Program was conceived to prepare commissioned Army officers for advanced social work practice within military, medical, and federal systems. Through this long-standing partnership, students earn an accredited MSW degree while remaining on active duty, allowing them to immediately apply clinical and leadership skills in service of soldiers, families, and military-connected communities worldwide.
Beginning in May 2026, students in the 26-1 cohort will complete a Foundation Block Placement, a practicum model designed to allow students to focus exclusively on hands-on practice without the competing demands of concurrent coursework.
“This model allows students to fully immerse themselves in clinical and systems-level social work practice,” said Shawndra Y. Pickett, LCSW-S, Practicum Education Coordinator and Clinical Instructor for the U.S. Army–University of Kentucky MSW Program. “By separating coursework from practicum responsibilities, students are able to build competence, confidence, and professional identity in a highly focused way.”
The program equips graduates to serve in key roles across military behavioral health, medical social work, and leadership positions within the Army and other federal agencies, reinforcing the University of Kentucky’s commitment to preparing professionals for service-oriented, high-impact careers.
“Not only did the orientation phase prepare me for practicum placement, but it also reinforced the importance of military social work and the responsibility that comes with it,” said 2LT Sandessa Jones, an Active Duty Army-UK MSW student in the program. “I’m honored to be part of the Army-UK MSW Program and excited to embark on this journey with a strong sense of purpose and commitment to serving our community.”
