LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the promotion of Amanda Brown, Ph.D., to clinical assistant professor, recognizing her outstanding contributions in graduate social work education, where her teaching, innovation and program development have expanded opportunities for students and helped prepare graduates to meet workforce needs across the nation.
Brown is the program director of the Masters Degree (MSW) in Social Work and has played a key role in advancing the CSWE-accredited Regular and Advanced Standing programs through online and hybrid learning modalities. Her work has focused on creating innovative, student-centered programs that prepare social workers to address complex community needs, particularly in rural areas.
“Dr. Brown has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening the College of Social Work MSW program,” said Jackie Duron, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty advancement. “Her leadership and commitment to student success continue to expand opportunities for learners while helping address workforce needs across communities.”
One of Brown’s significant contributions has been her leadership in the CoSW’s MSW program becoming among the first in the country to receive Quality Matters certification. The nationally recognized certification process evaluates the design and quality of online courses and reflects the College’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education.
“Embarking on the certification process for the entire core curriculum demonstrates our commitment to quality online programming,” Brown shared during the certification process. “This achievement not only elevates the quality of accessible remote education but ensures viable pathways to address critical workforce needs in social services.”
In addition to serving as director of the MSW program, Brown oversees several graduate certificate programs, including Trauma Responsive Practice, Clinical Social Work, Child Welfare, Substance Use, and Military Behavioral Health.
Her work in trauma-responsive education has focused on helping future social workers better understand the long-term impacts of trauma while equipping them with strategies to support individuals, families and communities through responsive, relationship-centered practice.
Brown also helped lead the launch of the Graduate Certificate in Rural Health and Well-Being, designed to prepare professionals to address the unique healthcare and behavioral health challenges facing rural communities. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, culturally responsive care and improving access to services in areas where workforce shortages and barriers to care remain significant challenges.
Beyond program development, Brown is recognized for her student-centered approach to teaching and mentorship, helping learners connect classroom knowledge to real-world practice while navigating the demands of graduate education.
Through her leadership, program development and commitment to online education, Brown continues to help shape innovative pathways that expand access to social work education and strengthen the future workforce.
The promotion to assistant clinical professor recognizes her continued impact on students, online learning and the future of social work education.