Breanna Williams, Author at University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Laura Escobar-Ratliff promoted to clinical associate professor, strengthening doctoral education and practice-focused leadership

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 29, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the promotion of Laura Escobar-Ratliff, Ph.D., to clinical assistant professor, recognizing her leadership of the College’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program.

Escobar-Ratliff serves as director of the CoSW’s DSW program, where she has helped lead the continued growth and national recognition of one of the country’s premier practitioner-focused doctoral programs. Her work focuses on doctoral education, leadership development, and preparing practitioner-scholars to address complex social challenges through applied practice and systems-level change.

“Dr. Escobar-Ratliff’s leadership has played a significant role in shaping the growth and impact of our DSW program,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty advancement. “Her commitment to students, innovation and advancing practice-focused education continues to strengthen the College and the profession.”

Under Escobar-Ratliff’s leadership, the DSW program has continued to expand its national reach while creating new opportunities for social workers seeking advanced leadership and practice education. This includes helping launch the College’s first-of-its-kind Sport Social Work concentration, designed to prepare practitioners to support athletes, athletic organizations and communities through a social work lens.

A major component of Escobar-Ratliff’s work has also been elevating the visibility and impact of doctoral scholarship through the College’s annual Showcase of DSW Scholars. The multi-day event highlights innovative research and applied practice work from more than 200 practitioner-scholars addressing topics such as trauma-informed care, healthcare, education, military social work, behavioral health, and community wellbeing.

“We are incredibly proud of our DSW scholars and the work they have put in to reach this milestone,” said Escobar-Ratliff during the 2026 Showcase. “The Showcase of DSW Scholars offers a unique opportunity for them to share meaningful, practice-informed work with the broader social work community while also contributing to continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field.”

In addition to program leadership, Escobar-Ratliff’s scholarship and professional work focus on teaching and learning, leadership development, behavioral health services and advancing the role of practice doctorates in social work education. Her career spans more than 20 years of direct care, clinical and administrative experience in community mental health, outpatient substance use treatment and residential treatment settings.

She has also contributed to national conversations surrounding doctoral social work education and the evolving role of DSW-trained leaders in practice settings. Through publications and presentations, Escobar-Ratliff continues to advocate for practice-focused doctoral education that bridges theory, leadership and real-world application.

Beyond the classroom, Escobar-Ratliff remains active in community leadership and service. She serves on the Board of Directors for La Casita Center in Louisville, supporting initiatives related to program development, strategic planning, and community health.

The promotion to associate clinical professor recognizes Escobar-Ratliff’s continued impact on doctoral education, student development and the future of social work leadership.

June 29, 2026

Aubrey Jones promoted to associate professor with tenure, advancing community-focused research program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 26, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the promotion of Aubrey Jones, Ph.D., to associate professor with tenure, recognizing her work that strengthens healthcare systems and expands access to care.

Jones has developed a growing research portfolio focused on improving health outcomes through innovative, community-engaged approaches. Her work spans maternal and postpartum health, behavioral health systems and rural health disparities, addressing critical gaps in care and advancing more accessible, effective support for individuals and families.

“Dr. Jones’ work reflects the mission of the College in action, advancing research that directly impacts communities while preparing the next generation of social work leaders,” said Jackie Duron, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty advancement. “Her continued dedication to research, teaching and mentorship represents the very best of our field.”

Since joining CoSW in 2021, Jones has built a strong portfolio of interdisciplinary research rooted in applied practice and real-world impact. Her work examines maternal and child health, behavioral health, access to care and rural health disparities, with a focus on improving outcomes for families during the perinatal and postpartum period.

Jones’ recent work has explored digital postpartum support systems, expanding access to care for new mothers through innovative, technology-driven interventions. Jones also received a UL1 Pilot Award to address gaps in postpartum care for women with gestational diabetes, helping improve support and long-term outcomes during a critical stage of maternal health.

“Supporting women’s health—particularly reproductive health—has been at the core of my research for years,” said Jones. “Gestational diabetes not only impacts women during pregnancy, but it sets the stage for lifelong health challenges if care is overlooked. This study seeks to understand why critical gaps persist and how we can ensure women get the care they need to thrive, not just in the short term, but for years to come.” 

Extending beyond maternal health into behavioral health and justice systems, Jones has contributed to evaluation efforts on Kentucky’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program that demonstrated reductions in hospitalizations and healthcare costs, highlighting the effectiveness of community-based approaches to care.

In addition to her research, Jones plays an important leadership role within the College. She recently served as acting director of the Ph.D. program, where she supported doctoral student development and helped shape the future of social work research and scholarship.

Her impact has also been recognized beyond the University. Jones was nominated for the Community Action Council’s 2025 Unapologetically Woman series, honoring women making meaningful contributions in their communities through leadership and service.

Jones is also a member of the University’s fourth Research Scholars Program cohort and served as a 2024–2025 Community Engaged Research Fellow, further reflecting her commitment to connecting academic research with community impact.

Through her teaching, mentorship and scholarship, Jones remains committed to preparing students to engage in research and practice that addresses complex social challenges.

The promotion to associate professor with tenure recognizes not only her academic achievements, but also her continued impact on communities, systems and the future of social work.

June 26, 2026

UK Social Work doctoral student named executive director of United Suicide Survivors International

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2026) — Turning pain into purpose, University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) student Shawn Moore has been named executive director of United Suicide Survivors International.

For Moore, the appointment is the culmination of years of advocacy, combining her education with her lived experience as both a caregiver and suicide loss survivor.

As a caregiver to her husband, an Army veteran, Moore said he returned home from military service with invisible wounds that led to ongoing mental health challenges. That experience ultimately led her into advocacy and policy work, where she helped shape conversations and policies affecting caregivers and military families.

“As a caregiver, I realized there was a lack of support for family members caring for veterans with physical and mental health challenges,” Moore said. “I became passionate about making sure family caregivers had a seat at the table when decisions were being made.”

After her husband died by suicide in 2024 following more than a decade of struggles, Moore and her daughter began sharing their story in hopes of helping other survivors navigate grief and healing.

The experience also strengthened Moore’s commitment to advocating for children who have lost a veteran parent to suicide, a population she believes is often overlooked in research, policy and support services.

Selected as a Pat Tillman Scholar in 2025, Moore continued her educational journey by enrolling in CoSW’s Doctorate of Social Work program in summer 2025.

“One reason I pursued a doctorate was because I didn’t want people to see me only as a caregiver. I wanted them to recognize that I also brought education, expertise and leadership to the conversation,” Moore said. “The DSW program at UK felt like the right fit because it allowed me to focus on the issues I care most about while connecting research directly to practice and lived experience.”

Through the DSW program, Moore has continued her research on veteran caregivers and suicide loss survivors while exploring ways to strengthen support systems for affected families. She believes people with lived experience deserve a seat at the table where decisions and policies are made, and she credits the program with providing the tools and theoretical foundation to advance that work.

Now, as executive director of United Suicide Survivors International, Moore is helping others use their stories as a source of healing, advocacy and leadership.

The organization teaches survivors how to safely share their experiences through programs such as Eye of the Survivor, bringing together individuals with lived experience through workshops, webinars, committees and the Lived Experience Collective, an online community designed to help survivors feel seen, heard and supported.

“One of the most powerful things we do is help people realize they are not alone,” Moore said. “Many survivors feel isolated. Hearing others’ stories helps them understand there are people who truly understand what they are experiencing.”

Throughout her doctoral studies, Moore said she has found support and guidance within the DSW program, allowing her to continue her advocacy work while caring for her daughters and advancing her education.

“The program has reinforced my belief that social workers are uniquely positioned to change systems because we understand how individuals, families and communities are connected,” Moore said. “When we bring together lived experience, research and practice, we can create meaningful change for the people and families who need it most.”

For Moore, the appointment represents more than a career milestone. It is an opportunity to transform personal loss into meaningful change, helping ensure that survivors and families feel seen, supported and connected to the resources they need.

June 25, 2026

Amanda Brown promoted to clinical assistant professor, expanding access to innovative social work education

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.

June 25, 2026

Scholarship support helps DSW student Hannah Brooks grow as clinician, educator and leader

LEXINGTON, Ky. – For Hannah Brooks, pursuing a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) represents more than advancing her education, it is an opportunity to continue growing as a clinician, educator and advocate for children and families.

After earning her master’s degree, Brooks spent years building her career before deciding to return to school. Working as a play therapist in community mental health, she discovered a growing passion for teaching, mentorship and professional development.

“As this grew into a greater passion, I decided to pursue my DSW at the University of Kentucky,” Brooks shared.

Choosing UK felt like a natural fit. With family ties to the university and a program structure that aligned with her professional and personal responsibilities, Brooks found a supportive environment to continue expanding her knowledge and impact.

That journey has also been strengthened by scholarship support.

Receiving the Martin Booth & Patsy Dills Tracy Scholarship helped ease financial pressures while Brooks balances doctoral coursework, professional responsibilities and becoming a new mom in 2025. The support has allowed her to focus more fully on her education and long-term goals in social work.

“By receiving financial support, I was able to spend more time on academic pursuits without the fear of greater debt and insecurities,” Brooks shared. “Thank you to both donors for taking the time to meet with me, provide needed support, and give insight on ways to expand my future career.”

Now serving as both a play therapist and CoSW part-time instructor, Brooks said the DSW program has strengthened her work by connecting current research to real-world practice.

“The DSW program has continued to prepare me as a play therapist and instructor by highlighting relevant current literature and applying it to real life,” Brooks said. “This program assisted in growing personal and professional connections. I feel supported in all areas of professional growth and development.”

Brooks’ commitment to social work began long before graduate school. Growing up around respite care and foster care through her family, she witnessed firsthand how meaningful support and advocacy can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

“I saw the impact of one social worker or one person on a child’s life,” Brooks said. “It is a rewarding and fulfilling career to continuously be impacting the world around you.”

As she continues working toward graduating in 2027, Brooks remains focused on supporting children, families and future social workers — carrying forward the same commitment to care and connection that first inspired her path into the profession.

June 9, 2026

UK social work professor to run Chicago Marathon in support of youth in foster care

LEXINGTON, Ky. – When Dr. Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett runs the 2026 Chicago Marathon in October, she’ll be running for more than herself. Every mile she will run will be for a child in foster care.

As the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) honors National Foster Care Month this May, Dowdy-Hazlett’s work and personal mission elevate the voices and experiences of children in youth in foster care.

Dowdy-Hazlett, an assistant professor with the CoSW, began running a year ago as a way to challenge herself and discover a new kind of hard. Now, she’s able to combine her personal passion with her professional, running the Chicago Marathon in support of CASA of Cook County. CASA supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. 

“This marathon is about more than completing 26.2 miles,” Dowdy-Hazlett shared. “Every dollar raised helps ensure that children in foster care have someone in their corner, someone to advocate for them, amplify their voices, and support them in finding safety and permanency.”

Working for the Department of Community Based Services previously, Dowdy-Hazlett had the opportunity to work alongside CASA volunteers. For her, supporting the organization is a full circle moment.

Running the Chicago Marathon for Team CASA also allows her to support those volunteers and the work that aligns deeply with her professional work and research.

“I spend much of my research evaluating interventions and identifying ways to improve systems of care. Running the Chicago Marathon for Team CASA gives me another way to engage directly with the community and support children beyond research and program evaluation,” Dowdy-Hazlett said.

Focusing on positive youth outcomes, Dowdy-Hazlett continues to further her research to cultivate a better system for foster children. In a recent qualitative study conducted with CoSW’s Dr. Shelby Clark, the two faculty members interviewed young adults transitioning out of foster care.

One theme that stood out was how many youth felt unheard, unsupported, and mistreated during their time in care. Their stories reinforced the urgent need for advocacy, connection, and systems that genuinely center the voices of young people, Dowdy-Hazlett shared.

During National Foster Care Month, there is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many individuals who dedicate their lives to supporting children and families.

“National Foster Care Month is always deeply meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to reflect on both the progress we have made and the work that still needs to be done to better support children and families involved in the foster care system,” Dowdy-Hazlett said.

As Dowdy-Hazlett continues to prepare for her race, she is motivated by the mission she is supporting and the children who continue to inspire her.

“Training for a marathon is challenging, but it also puts things into perspective,” Dowdy-Hazlett said. “The children we advocate for face challenges every single day that are far greater than the discomfort of a run. Remembering their struggles helps me push through moments of fatigue and reminds me why this race matters.”

For more information on the race and to learn more about CASA of Cook County, please visit Dowdy-Hazlett’s Chicago Marathon profile.

May 22, 2026

UK social work fellows graduate DSW program, advancing rural healthcare through UK King’s Daughters partnership

LEXINGTON, Ky. – For more than 85 years, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has led by example in its commitment to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world.

In 2020, the CorpCollab (C²) model was conceptualized by Dean Jay Miller, going beyond theory to build partnerships that are holistic and lead to the creation of community ecosystems. Through a partnership designed to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand access to care in rural communities, the College of Social Work—alongside UK King’s Daughters (UKKD)—provided a significant financial investment so that two UKKD employees could earn their Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degrees, at no cost to them, to better serve their communities through UKKD.

This May, the CoSW is celebrating these first two fellows in the CoSW and UKKD partnership who graduated with their DSW.

Fellows Kati Collins and Ashley Sexton represent the next phase of the CoSW’s Corp Collab (C²) model, an approach that combines educational access with hands-on experience, allowing professionals to advance their education while continuing to serve the communities where they live and work.

The partnership with UK King’s Daughters, an integrated health system serving nearly 400,000 residents across eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio and western West Virginia, reflects a shared commitment to building capacity from within, especially in rural areas where access to education and workforce development opportunities can be limited.

Through this partnership, Collins was able to continue her work as Director of Social Work, as well as further her education and expand her expertise. The flexibility and resources the fellowship offered made it possible for Collins to integrate her academic learning directly into daily practice.

“Being a King’s Daughters Fellow has really grounded my DSW journey in purpose,” Collins shared. “It wasn’t just about completing a degree—it felt tied to something bigger, especially serving a rural community that I care deeply about.”

For both fellows, the experience created a direct connection between classroom learning and real-world impact. For Sexton, that connection expanded through her work in hospital social work, where she supported patients and families navigating complex medical and social challenges.

“Working in a medical setting has provided me with a deeper understanding of the intersection between physical health, mental health, and social determinants of health,” Sexton said. “I have had the opportunity to support patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, which has strengthened my ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered, and trauma-informed care.”

Both fellows shared that the structure of the DSW program made it possible to integrate learning directly into practice as they balanced doctoral study with full-time roles in healthcare

“Knowing I had that support allowed me to focus more on learning and growth instead of just surviving the program,” Collins said.

“Rather than feeling like I was managing two completely separate responsibilities, the fellowship created alignment between my learning and my day-to-day work in hospital social work,” Sexton added.

That alignment strengthened how both leaders approach their work, shifting their focus from immediate problem-solving to long-term, systems-level impact.

“I’ve been able to apply so much of what I’ve learned in real time,” Collins said. “Instead of just reacting, I’m thinking about sustainability, systems and long-term outcomes.”

Sexton said the experience also deepened her approach to care and leadership.

“I approach each situation with a greater awareness of how past trauma, medical experiences, and stress can impact behavior, communication, and decision-making,” Sexton said.

As they prepare to take on their next step, both fellows are focused on using their education to strengthen services and expand access to care in the communities they serve.

“Moving forward, I want to continue building programs and systems that truly address gaps in care, especially in rural health,” Collins said.

Sexton plans to continue advancing trauma-informed, patient-centered practices while advocating for more holistic care across healthcare systems.

For Collins and Sexton, graduation reflects more than the completion of a degree, it marks a continued commitment to leading change within their communities.

For the College of Social Work, the success of this first cohort of DSW graduates highlights the tangible benefits that come from investing in the community and building meaningful partnerships.

For more information on UK CoSW partnerships, please reach out to Meagan Lederman at meagan.lederman@uky.edu.

May 21, 2026

College of Social Work and Department for Community Based Services honor Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Families of the Year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) celebrates National Foster Care Month in May, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, alongside the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), hosted a Statewide Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Parent Appreciation event at the Kentucky Science Center on Saturday, April 25.

The 2025 Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Families of the Year were in attendance, as well as DCBS staff members, and College of Social Work Centers & Labs staff members.

Jennifer Wallace, CoSW Assistant Director for the Training Resource Center, gave the opening remarks, followed by DCBS’s Assistant Director, Division of Protection and Permanency, Kelli Root.

“This annual event highlights the importance of partnership, perseverance, and community. It is with deep gratitude that we honor and celebrate you today,” Wallace said in her remarks. “Your love and devotion have a profoundly transformative and lasting impact in the lives of children across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Families were provided lunch and tickets to spend the afternoon as a family at the Science Center. Family portraits were also taken and provided to the families, celebrating the hard work and commitment it takes to raise a foster, adopted, or kinship child.

2025 Adoptive Families of the Year

Charles and Lauren Fleenor

Caleb Yeske and Luis Ramirez

Elizabeth and Bobby Fultz

Jessica and Warren Wolford, Jr.

Erin Lyons

Joylyn Weaver

Bradley and Amber Nevels

Wes and Nicole Mathis

Kenny and Kathleen Duvall

2025 Foster Families of the Year

Joshua and Melissa Howell

Audrey and Michael Patterson

Michael and Kaylyn Digman

George “Tony” and Melissa Cooper

Joshua and Haley Esters

Kandis and James Hall

Randy and Edith Barnett

Ronnie and Michelle Overstreet

Morris and Sylvia Moran

2025 Kinship Families of the Year

Montie and Katie Justice

Alice Glover

Susan Grasso and Michele Schiery

Susan Little

Meredith and James Truitt

Karl and Cassandra Harris

Tiffany and Tyler Place

Kyle and Heather Alderice

Christopher and Lindsay Bartley

The CoSW provides many resources to foster and adoptive families through the Training Resource Center and the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center. Learn more by visiting the CoSW Centers & Labs website.

May 19, 2026

New Graduate during Commencement Proceedings

College of Social Work celebrates largest graduating class in College history

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) celebrated a record-setting graduating class of 2026 on Friday, May 8, at Rupp Arena and at the CoSW’s Graduation Celebration.

Over 850 CoSW graduates walked across the stage on Friday, representing the largest graduating class in the College’s history.

CoSW has been committed to developing outstanding professionals, leaders who will serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by a pragmatic understanding of the human condition for over 80 years.

The Class of 2026 join the ranks of CoSW alumni, poised to shape the future with integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Walking across the stage means more than just earning a degree,” Ben Ison, a CoSW student ambassador and double major in social work and criminal justice, said. “It represents the beginning of a lifelong commitment to helping others.”

Prior to the commencement ceremony Friday afternoon, the College of Social Work hosted a Graduation Celebration at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Lexington, inviting all graduates and their loved ones to come together and meet their fellow graduates.

“We are incredibly proud of our spring graduates and all they have accomplished. Their hard work, resilience, and passion for learning have prepared them well for what’s ahead. As they begin this next chapter, I encourage them to lead with purpose and continue making a difference in the communities they serve,” said Matt Moore, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.

Among those who walked across the stage in Rupp Arena was Shawn Hunter, a Bachelor of Social Work graduate who shared that attending the University of Kentucky was more than just a personal goal – it was “always the dream.”

The road to this milestone in Hunter’s life has been shaped by incredible resilience.

“The trying times in my life helped me develop empathy toward others,” Hunter said. “They instilled in me an unwavering passion for achieving success and helping others realize their full potential. Social work feels like a path where I can turn what I’ve been through into something meaningful.”

The College of Social Work congratulates the class of 2026 and looks forward to the impact CoSW graduates continue to make on the Commonwealth and beyond, improving the human condition always, in all ways.

May 12, 2026

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.”

May 7, 2026

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