LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work is recognizing a new class of graduates from its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Army, highlighting both the continued growth of the program and a standout achievement from its most recent cohort.
This year’s graduating class includes 29 commissioned officers, all of whom have completed the Army–UK Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Fort Sam Houston. Of the 28 graduates who have sat for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam to date, 100% passed on their first attempt.
The Army–UK MSW program, established in 2016, prepares active-duty officers for advanced clinical social work practice across military, medical and federal systems. Through a condensed, full-time curriculum delivered at Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, officers complete their MSW while remaining in active service.
Following graduation, officers move into post-graduate clinical internships across military treatment facilities and Veterans Affairs systems, continuing their path toward independent clinical licensure. For the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, the program represents a continued expression of its mission.
“This is what our work looks like in action,” Jay Miller, dean of the CoSW, said. “As a land-grant institution, our commitment to serving those who serve is not just a responsibility – it is a mandate. Through this program, we are preparing leaders to step into high-stakes environments and make an immediate difference, and these graduates are the embodiment of that commitment.”
Hosted at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), the program plays a critical role in the nation’s military behavioral health infrastructure. In recent years, it has contributed to educating more than half of new active-duty Army social workers annually, helping meet growing needs across service branches.
“The success of this cohort reflects a program that prioritizes both strong academics and real-world experience,” said NAME. “Our officers are trained from the outset in structured clinical settings, building the skills needed to deliver trauma-informed care and navigate the complexities of military systems.”
As the program continues to expand, recent cohorts have grown in size and scope, with incoming classes participating in intensive orientation and practicum models focused on behavioral health and leadership development.
The newest graduates now join a growing network of Army–UK MSW alumni serving soldiers, veterans and families around the world, bringing clinical expertise, leadership and a commitment to care in some of the most critical settings.
