LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) will roll out the red-carpet Oct. 1 for its 2026 Annual Recognition Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the students, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners whose contributions help advance the College and the professions it serves. Building on celebrations in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the annual event brings the CoSW community together to recognize excellence, service and impact across the College.
Held on the Mezzanine Level of Kroger Field, the black-tie celebration will bring members of the CoSW community together for an evening of recognition, connection and celebration of the people behind the College’s continued growth and impact.
Throughout the evening, CoSW will recognize excellence in research, teaching, service, leadership, experiential education and alumni achievement, while also celebrating student scholarship recipients, student leaders and retiring members of the College community.
This year’s celebration will also introduce the Legacy of Impact Award, a new honor recognizing an individual whose sustained commitment, service and advocacy have advanced the mission of the College of Social Work and created meaningful, lasting change. The award honors those who have dedicated their time, talents, leadership and passion to supporting the College, its students and the communities it serves.
The College will also recognize retiring faculty and staff members Graeme Bicknell, Ray Dowd, Col. Teresa Murray and Missy Segress for their years of service and contributions to CoSW.
Among the evening’s signature recognitions are the College’s People First, People Always Awards, which celebrate faculty and staff whose work exemplifies excellence across the College’s mission.
Nominees for the Culture of Research Award are Dr. Lynden Bond, Dr. Paul Bleakley, Dr. Shelby Clark, Dr. Tarkington Newman and Dr. Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett.
Nominees for the Outstanding Teacher Award are Dr. Alexis Bell, Dr. Ashaad Hipps, Dr. Priscila Llamosa, Dr. Dustin Roberson and Dr. Richard Weaver.
The PTI of the Year Award nominees are Dr. Tina Atherall, Dr. Deborah Carey, Tziporah Eisenstein, Dr. Amanda Kern, Dr. Michelle Loper, Dr. Karen Moore, Dr. Nathan Popham and Dr. LaShardae Scott.
Nominees for the Culture of Wellbeing Award are Nick Alley, Emily Houp, Rachel Jewell, Jennifer Lyons, Dr. Nicole McKenna and Bree Williams.
Steadfast Service Award nominees are Rachael Paris and Leslie Vass.
Nominees for the Outstanding Staff Award are Rebecca Anderson, Sarah Cleaver, Meagan Lederman, Jennifer Lyons, Paige Noland, Cassie Payne, Dr. Kayla Powell, Rachel Petrey, Esther Tattershall, Sanford Weakley and Melissa Whitaker.
The Supervisor of the Year Award nominees are Bryan Back, Emily Houp, Dr. Carlyn Kimiecik, Rebecca Meeks, Dr. Lindsey Muñoz, Sheila Rentfrow and Bree Williams.
Students will also take center stage during the celebration. CoSW will recognize more than 50 scholarship recipients for the 2026-27 academic year, along with members of the 2025-26 Dean’s Student Advisory Council, whose perspectives and leadership help the College foster an inclusive, supportive and forward-thinking learning environment.
Individual student honors will also recognize achievement across the College’s academic programs and experiential learning opportunities. Awards presented during the evening will include the Army MSW Award, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award, Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Outstanding Doctoral Student Award, Outstanding Experiential Learning Student Award and Dean’s Outstanding Service Award.
The celebration will also recognize the continued impact of the College’s alumni community, including members of the 2025-26 College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) Executive Advisory Committee.
Several SWAA Awards will be presented during the evening, including the Outstanding Experiential Learning Instructor Award, Outstanding Experiential Learning Site Award, SWAA Mentor of the Year, “You Were Built for This” Award, Rising Star Award and Alumni Excellence Award.
The recipient of the Alumni Excellence Award will also be inducted into the College of Social Work Hall of Fame, recognizing a distinguished career and exceptional contributions to their profession and community.
From emerging student leaders to longtime members of the CoSW community, the Annual Recognition Celebration reflects the people, partnerships and accomplishments that continue to shape the College’s impact in Kentucky and beyond.
The 2026 Annual Recognition Celebration will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, on the Mezzanine Level of Kroger Field. Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s semi-formal, red-carpet atmosphere as CoSW celebrates another year of achievement, service and impact.
For any questions regarding the 2026 Annual Recognition Celebration, please reach out to PeopleFirst@uky.edu.