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First-generation graduate Alondra Valle finds purpose and community through MSW program

LEXINGTON, Ky. – When Alondra Valle first set foot on the University of Kentucky campus, she immediately fell in love and knew that she wanted to pursue her Master of Social Work (MSW) with the College of Social Work (CoSW). Now, graduating this May, Valle reflects on her time in the program.

After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, as a first-generation college student, Valle didn’t intend to go to a larger school, but her mentor, Dr. Lindsey Munoz, Clinical Instructor and Associate Dean of Pedagogical Possibilities, encouraged her to visit Lexington, even if she was going to pursue her MSW online.

“Within the first ten minutes of being on campus, I fell in love and knew that my education would excel if I chose the CoSW online program,” Valle shared.

During her time in the MSW program, Valle was able to stay involved through her role as Vice President in a new club, The MSW Lounge, a student-led organization open to all MSW students that focuses on building community, networking and peer support, professional development, and mental health and wellness support.

The MSW program also prepared Valle for her future in social work, inspiring her to look at the profession in many different ways.

“From group assignments involving us acting as social workers and clients, to research, I felt like I got a glimpse of the many ways social work functions in all types of communities,” Valle said.

As she prepares for the next step in her social work career, another aspect of the program that Valle shared as valuable was the feedback from her professors and the time they took to provide supportive insight to ensure she was moving in the right direction.

“While I was anxiously awaiting assignments to be graded, I really appreciated the time all my professors took to look over my assignments and provide feedback,” Valle said. “This was not something I anticipated knowing how big the CoSW is, but it is something I am grateful for as it has prepared me for my future in this profession.”

Following graduation, Valle will continue her work with the Kansas Department for Children and Families in the Exploited and Missing Children Unit, transitioning into a full-time role after completing her practicum there. Continuing to gain experience, Valle aspires to be a children’s hospital social worker.

As Valle prepares to walk across the commencement stage, she is reminded of her why – her family – and is excited to see all her hard work pay off.

“Being a first-generation Latina woman, I didn’t have a lot of people that I could look up to growing up. Walking across the stage will be a full-circle moment for me as I hope I can be someone my younger brother and cousins can look up to,” Valle said. “This diploma will symbolize how all the sacrifices my immigrant parents made paid off. Getting my MSW is the least I could do for them as they have given me the world and so much more.”

UK social work graduate driven by lived experience to expand mental health access in communities

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Growing up in a community where mental health awareness was limited, Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate Mariamu Wilondja saw firsthand the gaps in understanding and access to care, an experience that continues to shape her path in social work.

After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from Kentucky State University, Wilondja knew she wanted to expand her clinical training and deepen her impact. That decision led her to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), where she found both the academic preparation and support system needed to continue building her path forward.

Her motivation to pursue social work is closely tied to her lived experience.

Throughout her time in the MSW program, Wilondja said that support from faculty, advisors and staff played a key role in her success, helping her navigate graduate school while preparing for the next phase of her career.

That support became especially meaningful during moments of financial challenge.

“Receiving the Dr. Kennard W. & Pat A. Wellons Scholarship allowed me to stay on track academically at a critical time, ensuring I could register for the classes I needed to continue my program,” Wilondja shared.

Now preparing to graduate, Wilondja is focused on building a career in clinical social work, with plans to work in a hospital setting and eventually open her own practice. Her goal is to expand access to care while also increasing awareness and education around mental health, particularly in communities where stigma and limited resources remain barriers.

Her vision extends beyond local impact.

Having been born and raised in a refugee camp, Wilondja hopes to one day provide mental health support to individuals in similar settings where trauma is common, but access to care and understanding of mental health is often limited.

“Many refugees deal with PTSD as they have experienced traumatic events in their lives, but they are not aware of mental health disorders,” Wilondja said. “The broken heart, the grief, and stigma surrounding them makes it hard for them to seek for help. I was born and raised in a refugee camp myself, the stigma that comes with someone pursuing mental health help is real.”

Wilondja recognizes the lasting effects of those experiences, from depression and anxiety to uncertainty about the future, and is committed to helping others navigate those challenges with greater support and understanding.

As she reflects on her journey, Wilondja points to the role of community, both in the challenges she has faced and the support that has helped her move forward.

Support like the Wellons Scholarship, she said, is more than financial—it creates opportunity.

Her message to those who give is simple: the impact is real, and it changes lives.

MSW graduate Simenesh Comollo’s path to commencement defined by resilience

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Simenesh Comollo’s path to earning her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) reflects a journey defined by resilience and a deep commitment to helping others.

Comollo’s path to graduate school was anything but traditional. She came to the United States at 14 without speaking English, learning the language from the ground up while navigating a new education system and culture. When she entered college, she said she felt behind but remained determined to keep moving forward.

That persistence, paired with the support of mentors, peers and scholarship opportunities, helped her find her footing and ultimately her purpose.

“My passion for social work comes from my desire to advocate for others and give back,” Comollo shared.

Comollo chose the University of Kentucky for the strength of its social work program and the flexibility of its online MSW option, an important factor as she balanced school with work, practicum requirements and becoming a new mother.

Throughout her time in the program, Comollo said the ability to apply classroom learning directly to real-world practice was one of the most impactful parts of her experience, helping build both confidence and practical skills as she prepared to enter the field.

But the journey was not without its challenges.

“Balancing graduate school, work, and major life milestones has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my resilience,” she said.

Support from the Wiley Scholarship played a pivotal role along the way. Receiving the scholarship helped ease financial strain during a demanding time, allowing Comollo to focus more fully on her education and professional growth.

“Receiving the Wiley Scholarship has had a profound impact on me—personally, academically, and financially,” Comollo said.

For Comollo, the scholarship also served as a meaningful affirmation that her work, dedication and perseverance were seen.

As a first-generation college graduate, graduation marks a milestone that extends beyond her own story.

“I am the first person from my hometown—and even within my adoptive family—to pursue higher education at this level,” Comollo shared.

Looking ahead, Comollo plans to pursue a career in therapy, working with children and families, while building a life that allows her to grow professionally and be present as a mother.

Her goal? To use both her lived experience and education to support others navigating difficult circumstances.

For Comollo, the impact of the Wiley Scholarship will continue far beyond graduation.

“The generosity goes far beyond financial support,” she said. “It becomes part of someone’s story—it creates opportunities, relieves burdens, and allows people like me to keep going.”

UK College of Social Work highlights Grounded Together Fund during National Foster Care Month

LEXINGTON, Ky. – This May, in recognition of National Foster Care Month, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is highlighting the Grounded Together Fund, a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) class initiative designed to support students with lived experience in foster care as they navigate college.

Created by the 2025 DSW cohort, The Grounded Together Fund provides resources such as educational materials, mentorship opportunities, extracurricular and leadership development, and emergency assistance for former foster youth attending UK.

For DSW student Arielle Skinner, that support is deeply personal.

“I actually grew up in the foster care system from about 3 years old and aged out at 21,” Skinner shared. “I went on to college, earned my bachelor’s and my master’s in social work.”

Now in the DSW program, Skinner said her path to UK was shaped by both her lived experience and a desire to expand her impact.

“One of the things that really drew me to UK was the work being done with foster youth and kinship care,” she said. “I knew this was where I needed to be.”

Skinner said National Foster Care Month is an opportunity to bring greater awareness to a population that is often overlooked.

“It’s not always at the forefront of conversations in our communities,” Skinner said. “There isn’t a deeper understanding of what foster care is, what the experience is like or the outcomes for those leaving the system.”

The Grounded Together Fund aims to address those gaps by providing flexible support for students. Resources can be used for housing during academic breaks, food, books, technology and other essential needs.

“The funds can be used in ways that meet real needs,” Skinner said. “That flexibility is what makes it so powerful.”

Beyond meeting immediate needs, Skinner said the fund represents a broader commitment to recognizing and supporting students with foster care experience.

“If we are going to talk about outcomes for youth leaving foster care, we also need to talk about how we support them,” Skinner said. “If we want successful outcomes, it is a collective responsibility.”

As part of this effort, the College has launched the Grounded Together: Legacy Challenge, inviting CoSW alumni and supporters to give back and build a lasting legacy for future students—each graduating class would donate their graduating year (i.e. class of 2026 would donate $20.26).

To make a gift, please visit the UK Giving website and mark the Fund Selection: Social Work, and for Gift Instructions: Gift for Grounded Together.

College of Social Work celebrates 2026 graduating class on May 8

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky proudly celebrates the accomplishments of its graduating class of 2026 on Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. Amid an atmosphere of celebration and reflection, graduates from the College of Social Work will come together with faculty, staff, families, and friends at Rupp Arena to mark an important milestone in their academic journey.

This ceremony recognizes the hard work and dedication each student has demonstrated along the way. As they cross the stage, graduates step forward as prepared and confident professionals, ready to carry their skills and passion into the communities they will serve.

The CoSW looks forward to celebrating its graduates at the Graduation Celebration, hosted by the College of Social Work, and at Grad Gathering, hosted by the UK Alumni Association, following the commencement ceremony. Throughout the week, graduates are invited to share their photos with the CoSW for an opportunity to be highlighted on social media. Please use #UKCoSWGrad2026 on all social media posts from the week to be featured at the Graduation Celebration. 

Graduation Celebration (hosted by UK College of Social Work) 

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 2nd floor, Hilton Hotel (369 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507).

The Graduation Celebration, occurring before commencement, is a longer event and is exclusively for College of Social Work graduates. There will be food, photo opportunities, and an opportunity to spend quality time with your fellow graduates as well as college faculty and staff. 

Grad Gathering (hosted by UK Alumni Association) 

Time: Immediately following commencement
Location: Club C, Rupp Arena (430 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507).

The Grad Gathering, occurring immediately following commencement in Rupp Arena, is an event at which all colleges with students graduating during the commencement ceremony will be represented, including the College of Social Work. The CoSW will be there with a small table and a gift for each graduate. Graduates typically walk through this space before reuniting with any friends and family who watched them participate in commencement. 

More information on commencement. 

Parking: 

Please park at the Hilton Hotel garage, on 369 West Vine Street (you may enter from either Vine St. or Main St.).

Bring your parking ticket: Please make sure to bring your parking ticket with you to the Graduation Celebration.

Where to get your parking validation sticker: You can pick up your validation sticker from Bryan Back, Sarah Cleaver, or Allison Bourne at the check-in table.

Parking validation: The validation sticker will allow you to exit the parking garage without additional charges.

Please note the parking garage has an elevator on every floor except the top level. Please take the elevator to the 2nd floor entrance where the ballroom is located. Entrance is handicap accessible.

Entering the Hilton:

Entry from Pedway: The pedway from the Hyatt & Rupp Arena comes out on to the 2nd floor where the ballrooms are located. 

Entry from Street Level:  The elevators are located just to the left of the Hotel Registration Desk. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor entrance where the ballroom is located. Entrances & elevators are handicap accessible.

UK social work graduate finds purpose through service, leadership and impact

LEXINGTON, Ky. – For Ben Ison, finding his path in social work wasn’t part of the original plan but it quickly became a calling.

“I didn’t start out as a social work major, but over time I realized that my purpose is to help others,” Ison shared. “Social work gave me a clear path to do that.”

Now preparing to graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work this May, Ison reflects on a college experience defined by service, leadership and connection.

A proud Wildcat, choosing the University of Kentucky felt natural.

“I’ve always bled blue and been proud to be a Wildcat,” Ison said. “UK gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while staying connected to a community I care deeply about.”

During his time at the CoSW, Ison served as a student ambassador and took on leadership roles across campus, including Vice President and Mental Health Chair for Pi Kappa Alpha, serving on the University Appeals Board and working as a research assistant. He also participated in campus traditions like DanceBlue and Greek Sing.

That commitment was recognized this year when Ison received the University of Kentucky’s Sullivan Award, honoring students for their dedication to service and leadership.

“Winning the UK Sullivan Award meant everything to me,” Ison shared. “To be recognized for service is incredibly meaningful because service is at the core of who I am.”

Through his coursework, research and practicum experiences, Ison said the College of Social Work prepared him to advocate for others and approach complex challenges with empathy.

“The College has prepared me to work with and advocate for some of the most vulnerable populations,” he said. “I’ve developed the skills and perspective to approach complex issues in both social work and the criminal justice system with a commitment to change.”

One of his most memorable experiences came while studying abroad in Ireland, where he built lasting relationships with classmates while gaining new perspectives on social work.

Following graduation, Ison will continue his education at the CoSW in the Master of Social Work program. He plans to focus his career on reentry and rehabilitation services within the justice system, with a particular interest in juvenile justice.

For Ison, graduation marks the start of something bigger.

“Walking across the stage means more than just earning a degree,” Ison said. “It represents the beginning of a lifelong commitment to helping others.”

Sport Social Work Research Lab hosts Mind in Motion Symposium focused on student-athlete mental health

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL) partnered with Frederick Douglass High School (FDHS) to host the Mind in Motion Symposium, an event centered on student-athlete mental health, performance and overall wellbeing.

Held April 17 at FDHS, the symposium brought together more than 300 student-athletes for an interactive experience highlighting the connection between mental health and athletic performance. The event featured insights from current University of Kentucky athletes, SSW-RL practicum students and high school student-athlete leaders.

As part of the SSW-RL’s Campus and Community Collaboratives (C3) initiative, the event reflects the University of Kentucky’s mission by strengthening partnerships between the university, schools and the broader community.

“The event raised awareness about youth mental health and the importance of holistic wellbeing across the lifespan,” said Dr. Carly Kimiecik, CoSW assistant professor and researcher at the SSW-RL. “By creating intentional spaces for guided discussions about mental health and engaging athletes in activities that promote wellbeing, we seek to foster a sense of belonging and community, support healthy development and provide athletes with opportunities to develop important life skills.”

Throughout the symposium, discussions emphasized that athlete wellbeing extends beyond physical performance. High school student-athletes often navigate pressures related to academics, peers, family expectations and social media, making intentional opportunities for connection and reflection critical.

By combining guided discussions with interactive activities, the SSW-RL aims to create a sense of belonging, support healthy development and equip young athletes with skills that extend beyond the field.

The event also highlighted the impact of university-school-community partnerships in advancing holistic approaches to student-athlete wellbeing, reinforcing the role of sport as a platform for connection, growth and support.

CoSW’s Spencer Payton receives Maurice A. Clay Award for leadership and impact at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky Criminal Justice student Spencer Payton has been named the 2026 recipient of the Maurice A. Clay Award for the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW).

The Maurice A. Clay Award recognizes one outstanding graduating senior from each academic college at the University of Kentucky. Recipients are selected by college leadership based on academic excellence, leadership and impact.

Payton was nominated by CoSW faculty members Stephanie Quiring, J.D., Ph.D., and Nicole McKenna, Ph.D., for his dedication to undergraduate research.

Through his work, Payton has explored complex issues at the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. His research with Quiring focuses on mental health and police power, while his collaboration with McKenna examines child sexual abuse organizations, levels of trauma and reentry experiences.

“Over the weekend, I had the privilege to be awarded the Maurice A. Clay Award for the University of Kentucky College of Social Work,” Payton shared. “This award is such an honor, and I am incredibly grateful for the support of my professors, family and peers throughout my academic journey.”

In addition to his research, Payton is a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, a pre-law and government fraternity, and currently serves as the fundraising chair. He is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and has previously served for the Wildcat Wardrobe. Payton also completed prior research with Dr. Richard Waterman, focusing on the American Presidency.

Following graduation, Payton plans to take a gap year before attending law school, with the goal of continuing his research and presenting his work at national conferences.

The Maurice A. Clay Award, named in honor of a longtime University of Kentucky leader and advocate, celebrates students who exemplify the values of scholarship, leadership and service across the university.

For the College of Social Work, Payton’s recognition reflects the impact of student-driven research and the importance of preparing future leaders to address complex challenges in communities.

UK social work researcher advances new approach to support families across the Commonwealth

LEXINGTON, Ky. – During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Shelby Clark, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Social Work (CoSW), is using her experience and expertise to conduct an innovative study aimed at improving the child welfare system and supporting families across the Commonwealth.

After being awarded a grant in 2024 from the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Small Grants Program for her project “Reimagining Child Abuse and Neglect Reports: A Qualitative Exploration of Attitudes and Beliefs about Mandated Reporting and Mandated Supporting,” Clark and her team have now began disseminating initial findings in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAKY).

Mandated reporting refers to the legal obligation to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Certain professionals (teachers, health care workers, social workers, etc.) receive specialized training on reporting. However, with her background in child welfare and mental health, Clark understands the ambiguous and emotionally charged nature of this topic.

These findings have shown that human service providers overwhelmingly want to support and collaborate with families.

“Many providers described a strong and consistent desire to help children and families in meaningful, practical ways,” Clark shared. “They want to build trust and work alongside families, ideally intervening well before there are concerns about child maltreatment.”

For Clark, this study demonstrated that human service providers think about mandated reporting and community support in a variety of ways. Those differences influence not just their decisions, but also how children and families experience the child welfare system. Better understanding mandated reporters’ attitudes help understand where the tensions are and why the child welfare system doesn’t always work as intended.

Mandated supporting, also referred to as community-based support, provides assistance, resources and services to families in need — often under the supervision of child welfare agencies. While mandated reporting focuses on identifying and responding to abuse or neglect, mandated supporting aims to intervene early and support families in crisis to promote child well-being and prevent further harm.

“This research provides a reminder that families do better when support comes with trust, dignity and real resources—not just oversight,” Clark shared. “Human service providers largely want to help and provide meaningful support that impacts families positively. If we want better outcomes for children, we have to invest in preventative services that help families thrive.”

Through the partnership with PCAKY, Clark was able to connect with potential research participants. Her team also led arts-based study in partnership with PCAKY focused on how human service providers envision community support approaches to child maltreatment responses.

Through it all, a stronger, more supportive child welfare system is the ultimate goal.

“Child safety matters, and it’s often inseparable from whether families holistically have what they need to be stable and healthy in the first place,” Clark said. “A stronger child welfare system would prioritize connection, prevention, and meeting concrete needs, so that support is collaborative instead of punitive.”

DSW scholar will present research on high sensory processing sensitivity in athletes during three-day virtual showcase

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Over three days, more than 200 doctoral candidates in the University of Kentucky’s online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program will present their capstone research during the 5th Annual Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars, held April 27–29, 2026. Registration is free and opens April 20. 

DSW scholar Kristine Proctor’s capstone focuses on high sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)—a temperament trait characterized by deeper processing and heightened responsiveness—and explores how understanding it in athletes can improve mental health, coping, and performance.

Proctor’s research is rooted in both clinical experience and personal insight.

In her private practice, Proctor noticed a pattern among clients who continued to experience physical symptoms of stress and anxiety even after addressing underlying concerns. That observation led her to explore SPS more deeply.

“Many clients have found that recognizing these sensations as overstimulation rather than anxiety is life-changing and has empowered them to respond more effectively,” Proctor shared.

Through this work, Proctor also came to better understand her own experiences as a high SPS individual, further strengthening her connection to the research and its applications in sport.

Despite growing awareness around athlete mental health, Proctor notes that current models often fail to account for how some athletes process and respond to their environments.

High SPS, she explains, is frequently misunderstood, leading to athletes being labeled as anxious, unfocused or inconsistent, rather than recognizing the underlying dynamics at play.

“What is often misunderstood in sport, such as overthinking, emotional intensity, or variable performance under pressure, may actually reflect high SPS athletes’ deeper processing and heightened responsiveness to environmental input,” she said. “This reflects a highly attuned nervous system, not a dysfunctional one.”

Her work reframes these traits as strengths, highlighting how deeper processing can support skills like pattern recognition, anticipation and strategic decision-making when athletes are supported in the right environments.

Beyond individual athletes, the research has broader implications for teams, coaches and organizations. Proctor emphasizes the importance of creating environments that support regulation, engagement and performance, shifting the focus from changing the athlete to understanding the interaction between the athlete and their surroundings.

The capstone process has further strengthened her ability to integrate research, theory and practice, while reinforcing her commitment to approaches that are responsive to individual and environmental factors.

Following graduation, Proctor plans to continue her clinical work and teaching while expanding research on high SPS athletes and launching an awareness initiative to promote more practical, strengths-based strategies in sport.

At the center of her work is a message that extends beyond athletics:

“Understanding how individuals process their environments is essential to supporting both well-being and performance,” she said. “When we shift from asking ‘What’s wrong with this athlete/person/me?’ to ‘What’s happening within the individual–environment interaction?’, we create space for more accurate understanding and more effective support.”

The Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars will feature more than 200 presentations and is open to the public, with continuing education credits available for attendees. Registration will open on April 20th. Registration information and showcase news will be shared via email. Those interested in staying informed can subscribe to the College’s email list at https://ukcosw.com/subscribe and select “DSW Showcase and News.”  

Note: The perspectives presented in this research are those of the individual scholar and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Kentucky.