Shelita Jackson on April 30, 2026. Photo by Carter Skaggs | UKphoto
This story was originally published in UKNow.
LEXINGTON, KY. (July 8, 2026) — Shelita Jackson, D.S.W., director of Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Undergraduate Studies and assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), is one of 10 recipients of UK’s 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards.
These awards identify and recognize UK faculty and graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate special dedication to student achievement. Recipients were selected via nomination and reviewed by a selection committee based in the UK Provost’s Office for Faculty Advancement and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
For Jackson, teaching begins with relationships.
Drawing on her years of experience across social work practice, leadership and higher education, Jackson’s approach centers on student growth. She calls it “connected teaching” — the idea that relationships are not just where learning happens, but how it happens.
As part of this summer series, UKNow connected with Jackson to learn more about her experience and approach to teaching.
UKNow: How would you describe your area of expertise and why is the work important right now?
Jackson: Social work has provided me with the opportunity to work in various settings and assume diverse roles, which is what makes the profession so rewarding.
Prior to my transition to higher education, my professional background was in medical social work — where I held several leadership positions. Interestingly, when I began teaching full-time, the courses I taught the most are practice, policy and macro social work courses. Somehow, I have not taught a medical social work course. I find that funny.
Regardless of the setting or role a social worker practices, the core values and practice competencies are transferable. I can bring real-world experience into the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning process. This is important to me, because everyone has unique needs. And students need to comprehend the interconnected factors that influence a person’s well-being — from the individual level to the systemic level.
UKNow: What core principles guide your approach to teaching, and how do those show up in your classroom or learning environments?
Jackson: Connected teaching, which focuses on relationships and culture in how we teach and learn, is what I do. I truly believe relationships can change us and are both where we learn — and how we learn.
Connected teaching focuses on both the students and educator feeling valued and working together. I strive to make the classroom a safe place by encouraging the sharing of ideas, while respecting everyone’s thoughts and experiences.
Because of how I interact with students, they know I’m genuine and consistent. I aim to be fair and supportive, while also holding them accountable.
UKNow: Can you share a moment — inside or outside the classroom — that affirmed the value of your work as an educator?
Jackson: Last month, one of our graduating social work seniors got the chance to share his research poster at the UNITE research forum poster showcase. This student hadn’t even thought about writing a proposal or presenting research at the undergraduate level before.
My job is to help students realize what they’re capable of. This student was definitely more than capable, and I love seeing students use their work for professional opportunities. He was featured in a CoSW news story — talking about how much the program has boosted his confidence and how much he appreciates me as his instructor. It’s moments like these that really make my work worthwhile and affirm my relational approach. It matters.
UKNow: What do you hope your students take with them after they leave your course(s)?
Jackson: I’m hoping students will remember me as someone who can lead with kindness and support. I hope they leave our interactions feeling truly seen, heard and valued. And even when life gets challenging, I hope they realize being a good person is what truly counts — and they have the power to choose how they act in their relationships.
UKNow: What does receiving the Outstanding Teaching Award mean to you?
Jackson: I’m still taking in this amazing recognition. Being chosen by my peers is such a privilege and an honor. There are so many incredible educators at our university, and to be considered among them fills me with joy and motivates me to keep being a meaningful educator by serving our wonderful students at the University of Kentucky.
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This year’s Outstanding Teaching Awards were given to six faculty and four graduate teaching assistants. Each winner received an award certificate, a commemorative engraved gift and a cash award in recognition of their teaching excellence at a campus ceremony on April 30. Read more here.