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Carly Kimiecik Headshot

Championing Change Through Sport: A Q&A with Dr. Carly Kimiecik

LEXINGTON, Ky. — National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), observed annually in early February (Feb. 4, 2026), celebrates the achievements of athletes, coaches, and leaders. This week, the UK College of Social Work (CoSW) will be celebrating the faculty and student leaders who work within the CoSW’s Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL).

Dr. Carly Kimiecik, assistant professor, sat down with the CoSW to share her experience in the Sport Social Work field and her involvement in the SSW-RL as a researcher.

What inspired you to pursue Sport Social Work?

I’ve always been involved in sports both as an athlete and spectator, but my interest in sport social work truly deepened through my experiences working at the intersection of youth programming, social work, and college athletics. While working with after-school programs and youth sports in Columbus, Ohio, I held multiple roles that enabled me to engage with youth in sport and play settings and recognize the importance of sport for connection, growth, and overall wellbeing.

As I pursued my Master of Social Work at The Ohio State University, I found myself working in college student-athlete support initiatives at OSU and Purdue University while also pursuing my Ph.D. in Public Health. At Purdue, I managed a public health research lab, contributed to the Center for Health Excellence, Quality, and Innovation, and mentored student-athletes through the Center for Academic Vision and Excellence. These practice and research experiences fueled my interest in Sport Social Work, as I was continually drawn not only to athlete experiences but also to ways to improve and support them through research and community mechanisms to intentionally promote athlete wellbeing and foster more equitable, developmentally supportive sport environments. My background bridges youth programming, social work and sport-based youth development.

What is your role with the Sport Social Work Research Lab and how did you get involved with the lab?

I serve as a faculty member and researcher, supervising practicum students in the SSW-RL. Overall, I lead and support research projects, mentor students, and build partnerships between the university and community organizations, including sports-based groups and schools. My involvement with the SSW-RL comes from my academic and professional interests and experiences, as well as my effort to develop sport social work as a dedicated area within the discipline. I collaborate with colleagues within the College of Social Work and strive to create applied, community-engaged research and initiatives that enhance well-being for athletes of all ages. I am grateful to the SSW-RL director, Dr. Tarkington Newman, for the opportunity to contribute to the lab and for the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Matt Moore in sport social work research.  

How do the initiatives within the SSW-RL support sports and recreation?

The SSW-RL is dedicated to improving wellbeing through sport, justice, and research. The lab’s work is guided by five research focus areas—youth sport and coaching, positive youth development, social justice promotion, mental health literacy, and sport social work—which aim to strengthen sport and recreation environments across the lifespan. Many of the lab’s initiatives focus on creating supportive systems for athletes by addressing mental health and broader psychosocial needs in sport settings. For female athletes, this involves prioritizing fair research practices, examining structural and cultural factors that shape sport experiences, and developing programs that support skill development, leadership, and long-term wellbeing. Through this work, the lab seeks to strengthen sport environments that help all athletes succeed both within sport and beyond it.

What does National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you and why is it important to celebrate?

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a chance to celebrate all women who play or have played sports—from youth to collegiate, young adult, professional, adult, and older adults. It is a moment for girls and women in sports to feel recognized, appreciated, and visible as the athletes they are! By celebrating this day, we can honor the women who paved the way and reflect on our current roles as girls and women in sports, helping to build confidence and community among us.

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of female scholars to get involved in Sport Social Work?

I hope to inspire the next generation of female scholars by showing them that Sport Social Work is an area where practice and research meaningfully intersect, and where their lived experiences, especially as current or former athletes, are valued. I am especially committed to supporting female athletes and helping make social work more visible and accessible as a pathway for those who want to stay connected to sport while creating positive change and enhancing experiences for athletes and the athletic community.

By mentoring students, involving athletes directly in research and applied projects, and highlighting the wide range of opportunities within Sport Social Work, I aim to demonstrate just how vast sport social work is and how much we need professionals who bring lived athletic experience to the work.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Sport Social Work Research Lab?

I love working with university students who are affiliated with the SSW-RL! The SSW-RL lab comprised undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in social work, social work practice students, and other majors at the University of Kentucky. Additionally, the SSW-RL offers a platform to engage with and connect to other divisions across the University, local Lexington, and the surrounding area to collaborate with personnel, community-based organizations, and athletes of all ages.

How can interested individuals get involved with the SSW-RL and Sport Social Work?

For more information and to get involved with the SSW-RL, please contact the lab director, Dr. Tarkington J Newman, at tarkington.newman@uky.edu. Additionally, for more information about sport social work, connect with the professional organization, the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS). Additionally, Carlyn Kimiecik can also answer questions related to the SSW-RL or ASWIS at carly.kimiecik@uky.edu.

Dr. Glenn Sterner facilitating a panel

Dr. Glenn Sterner releases new report on online gambling prevalence

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s (CoSW) Dr. Glenn Sterner has released a new report on online gambling prevalence in Pennsylvania, the 2025 Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Assessment: Online Gambling Report.

This assessment was in collaboration with Penn State’s Criminal Justic Research Center and developed under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

With Sterner serving as the study’s lead researcher, the research team surveyed more than 3,500 Pennsylvania residents using two sampling methods. The findings revealed that up to 30% of Pennsylvania adults reported engaging in some form of online gambling in the past year, an increase from the 20% reported in the 2024 study.

“This year we expanded our survey to include the prevalence of compulsive and problem gambling among Pennsylvania residents,” said Sterner, CoSW associate professor of criminal justice. “This expansion of the assessment will help us to monitor this important public health indicator so that we can work with partners at the state to local level on addressing issues associated with the growing popularity of online gambling.” 

The report also cites data from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which recorded more than $3 billion in iGaming revenue, generated by state-regulated interactive gaming operators such as online casinos and sports betting platforms. This growth coincides with an increase in calls to the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline, with more than half of all calls related to concerns about problematic online gambling.

Sterner, who joined the College in August of 2025,  is committed to community-based research and engagement, leading projects that span substance use, human trafficking, gambling, and public safety.

Other researchers who contributed to the report are Gillian E. H. Russell, assistant research professor, Penn State Abington; and Amanda M. Ferrara, operations manager at Penn State Social Science Research Institute’s Survey Research Center.

Funding for the report was made available through Pennsylvania Act 42, utilizing revenues generated from interactive gaming licensees.

Several hands on top of one another in a team huddle

Sport Social Work Research Lab announces new partnership

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sharing a vested interest in using sport and recreation to promote healthy youth development, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL) has partnered with Brock University in Ontario, Canada, supporting future research collaborations and educational opportunities.

The partnership between the SSW-RL and Brock University’s Centre for Healthy Youth Development Through Sport creates meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn and collaborate in innovative ways.

Dr. Tarkington J Newman, director of the SSW-RL, spearheaded this partnership, in collaboration with the UK International Center and Dr. Corliss Bean, associate professor within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and Director of the Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport at Brock University.

“Sport and recreation systems are very different between the U.S. and Canada, from community recreation to collegiate athletics,” Newman shared. “Learning those differences and coming together to address barriers using both knowledge bases creates valuable cultural learning exchanges.”

Currently, the University of Kentucky has 234 international agreements and over 7,000 international co-authorships, supporting UK’s mission to advance global learning, understanding, and connection by leading, supporting, and inspiring global engagement.

Instrumental in the development of this new partnership with Brock University was Dr. Mitchell Snider, International Agreements and Data Manager with the UK International Center. Working behind the scenes with faculty and staff to produce partnerships, Snider was a key asset in developing this new opportunity for the SSW-RL.

“These international partnerships improve our understanding of issues that are not bound by national borders—conflict, global health, resource scarcity, AI, cybersecurity, migration, among others” Snider shared. “These are global issues, and international partnerships better prepare students to engage with global issues and faculty to conduct research with broader impact. These and other outcomes also positively benefit the University of Kentucky and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Looking ahead, Newman hopes to continue to build new relationships with international partners and expand the global footprint of the SSW-RL. In addition to the partnership with Brock University, the SSW-RL established a partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Porto last fall.

“Research, practice, and the world are increasingly international,” Newman said. “These partnerships help us leverage global perspectives to better understand and address community-based issues and uplift community strengths. Working with partners around the world helps us understand how to make meaningful change.”

For more information and to get involved with the Sport Social Work Research Lab, please contact Dr. Tarkington J Newman at tarkington.newman@uky.edu. For more information on the UK International Center, please visit their website.

PhD students Gilean Chikwati and Foysol Ahmed in front of their poster presentation at the 2026 SSWR Conference

College of Social Work has strong showing at 2026 Society for Social Work and Research Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s (CoSW) research was on full display at the 2026 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 30th Annual Conference, taking place in Washington, D.C.  from January 14-18th.

The SSWR Annual Conference offers a scientific program that reflects a broad range of research interests. This year’s theme was Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice. The CoSW featured a diverse lineup of talented students and faculty, delivering over 15 juried presentations.

“Attending conferences like SSWR allows me to disseminate my work to a national audience and to build relationships with potential collaborators who share my research interests. National conferences also offer the opportunity to discuss current issues related to social work and research with colleagues,” shared assistant professor Dr. Madri Hall-Faul. “These conversations underscored both the complexity of the topic and how much we still have to learn.”

Dr. Hall-Faul presented on several topics at SSWR, including one titled The Scope and Dimensions of Engagement with Human Rights: A Decade of Social Work Students, in collaboration with assistant professor Dr. Cherra Mathis and led by Ph.D. students Gilean Chikwati and Foysol Ahmed.

Topics for other faculty presentations spanned the protective effects of youth sport participation on adverse childhood experiences, barriers to seeking help for intimate partner violence among young mothers with a history of foster care, and language models and public comments in qualitative social work research, among many other topics.

Dr. Laneshia Conner, who had two presentations featured at this year’s conference, shared that connecting with like-minded colleagues and building new relationships is an important part of attending SSWR, as well as attending fellow colleagues’ presentations.

“I enjoy seeing my colleagues shine and share; presenting adds a sunshine to the speech and faces of those deeply committed to it, and it’s something I rarely get to see during the academic year. It is also a time to connect and bond with students,” Dr. Conner said.

From national awards to innovative wellness programming, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work continues to advance social work education through research, service and human-centered innovation. CoSW’s presence at SSWR 2026 reaffirms its mission to advance the human condition—always, in all ways.

For more information about the SSWR Annual Conference, please visit the SSWR website.

UK College of Social Work to Attend 2026 Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is set to participate in the 2026 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)  30th Annual Conference, taking place in Washington, D.C. on January 14-18.

The SSWR Annual Conference offers a scientific program that reflects a broad range of research interests. This year’s theme is Leading for Transformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice. Building on momentum from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 2025 Annual Conference in October, the College will feature a strong lineup of talented students and faculty, delivering over 15 juried presentations.

Topics for these presentations span the protective effects of youth sport participation on adverse childhood experiences, barriers to seeking help for intimate partner violence among young mothers with a history of foster care, and language models and public comments in qualitative social work research, among many other topics.

As part of the Forward, Together Strategic Framework, the College continues to make significant investments to bolster research efforts consistent with the University of Kentucky’s Research Priorities Initiative.

CoSW looks forward to engaging with the broader social work community at the 2026 SSWR Annual Conference and continuing to strengthen social impact through collaborative research.

From national awards to innovative wellness programming, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work continues to advance social work education through research, service and human-centered innovation. CoSW’s presence at SSWR 2026 reaffirms its mission to advance the human condition—always, in all ways.

For more information about the SSWR Annual Conference, please visit the SSWR website.

Graduate standing in front of a lighted CoSW Grad sign

UK College of Social Work celebrates achievements of the class of 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) celebrated its graduating class of 2025 on Friday, December 19 at Rupp Arena and at the CoSW’s Graduation Celebration.

The CoSW is 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. 

The Class of 2025 join the ranks of CoSW alumni, poised to shape the future with integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Graduating from the College of Social Work, it means the world to me,” Jordin Williams, a CoSW student ambassador and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) graduate, shared. “The family that I’ve built here, the friends, the community, I love it. And I think that’s why I ultimately chose to stay here for another year, because I love the family and the support that I have here at UK.”

Following the commencement ceremony Friday morning, 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 fall graduates. They have shown professionalism, resilience, and a passion for learning. As they begin this next chapter, I encourage them to lead with boldness, act with courage, and stay grounded in their purpose, using their knowledge to create positive change 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 Tiffany Malicote, a BSCJ graduate who navigated many obstacles during her time at UK, including the loss of her older sister.

“Walking across that stage to receive my diploma, it means so much to me because I had every reason not to,” Malicote shared. “I had every reason not to keep going. But I did. Everything I’ve been through in my life, and all the experiences I’ve had, I never thought I would graduate but here I am.”

The College of Social Work congratulates the class of 2025 and looks forward to the impact CoSW graduates continue to make on the Commonwealth and beyond, improving the human condition always, in all ways.

Samantha Johnson and her son at a UK basketball game

MSW graduate balances motherhood and academics to achieve her degree at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Navigating the challenges of motherhood and going back to school, Samantha Johnson will graduate with her Master of Social Work (MSW) on December 19 from the UK College of Social Work (CoSW), creating a future both her and her family will be proud of.

Earning an associate’s degree in 2016 and a bachelor’s in 2018, Johnson never thought she would go back to school. Coming from a family of Kentucky Wildcat fans, when Johnson decided to pursue her MSW, she knew UK was the place for her.

The Johnson family posing with Mickey Mouse at Disney World

While balancing the duties of  motherhood, another aspect of UK that made her decision easier was the block tuition option offered for the MSW program, as well as receiving the Wiley Scholarship.

“Receiving the Wiley Scholarship saved me from taking out school loans for my fall semester and I was able to pay the remainder out of pocket,” Johnson shared. “This took the financial burden and stress off of me, and I was able to focus on finishing my degree.”

Through the CoSW and the MSW program, Johnson feels prepared for her future in social work because her coursework helped expand her toolbox and skillset in the field. Diving into the rural social work classes has been a favorite of Johnson during her time in the program.

Another aspect that has beneficial for Johnson and her career was her practicum experience, completing it at Grayson County DCBS Protection & Permanency, while juggling a full course load. Following the completion of the practicum, she was offered a full-time job there, helping advance her career.

These opportunities were made possible by Johnson’s hard work and the support she received along the way. Crediting the Wiley Scholarship, Johnson’s journey to receive her MSW was made more accessible by the generosity of CoSW donors who contribute to student scholarships.

Johnson shared this when asked what her message would be to CoSW supporters when considering whether to make a gift to the College:

“Your gift will never go unseen and will bless a student for the many years to come,” Johnson said.

Now, with another degree under her belt, Johnson will continue to make an impact in the Commonwealth and beyond. Reflecting on her time in the CoSW, Johnson will carry her accomplishments into the next stage of her journey, with her sons by her side.

“Walking across the stage next week makes me feel so accomplished,” Johnson shared. “I am happy and excited for my boys to be able to watch me walk across that stage and have them see what Mom has been working so hard for.”

Rachel Campoy posing with her graduation cap in front of the Gatton Student Center.

Redefining success: MSCJ graduate builds confidence, community, and career

LEXINGTON, Ky. – With her son in attendance, UK College of Social Work graduate Rachel Campoy will walk across the commencement stage on Dec. 19, receiving two degrees in one year.

Campoy, a Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ) graduate, is a first-generation graduate student, while also taking care of her almost 2-year-old son. For her, commencement represents a second chance in her academic journey.

Rachel Campoy in her graduation gown hugging her son

After graduating with a degree in criminology, sociology, and forensic psychology from Western Kentucky University in December 2024, Campoy was looking for a way to better herself both personally and academically, with her undergraduate GPA not representing her work ethic. Campoy found the MSCJ program at the CoSW, a program that had the flexibility that she needed to be able to work and take care of her son.

“During my first semester in the program, I received a 4.0 GPA, the first 4.0 I had ever gotten in my life,” Campoy shared. “I was receiving helpful feedback from my professors and making connections with my classmates, as well as taking advantage of the opportunities there were through the MSCJ program.”

Taking advantage of those opportunities led Campoy to serve as the MSCJ representative on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council. She was also elected Vice President of Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society, and currently works as a research assistant for professors Dr. Nicole McKenna and Dr. Stephanie Quiring. She also had the opportunity to guest lecture for one of Dr. Quiring’s criminal justice classes.

Through these opportunities, Campoy shares that in addition to the preparation she has received to go into the criminal justice field, she has also developed as a leader both in and out of the classroom.

“My training through the MSCJ program has allowed me to learn how to connect with the people I’m working with and how to serve my community,” said Campoy. “My leadership as a professional has grown significantly during my time at UK.”

Considering several different opportunities for her next step, Campoy is interested in interested in re-entry and corrections, aspects of the criminal justice field she was able to explore while in the MSCJ program.

Accomplishing her goal of a better GPA and more experience in the world of criminal justice, Campoy is set up for success thanks to her hard work and dedication, as well as the support she received from CoSW faculty and staff. December commencement is a celebration of that commitment Campoy made to herself, her future, and her son.

CoSW graduates standing in front of UK 25 Grad sign

UK College of Social Work honors 2025 graduating class on December 19

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky proudly celebrates the accomplishments of its graduating class of 2025 on Friday, December 19 at 10 a.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 Grad Gathering, hosted by the UK Alumni Association, following the ceremony, and at the Graduation Celebration, hosted by the CoSW. Throughout the week, graduates are invited to share their photos with the CoSW for an opportunity to be highlighted on social media. Please use #UKCoSWGrad25 on all social media posts from the week to be featured at the Graduation Celebration. 

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. 

Graduation Celebration (hosted by UK College of Social Work) 

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

The Graduation Celebration, occurring after 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 more quality time with your fellow graduates as well as college faculty and staff. 

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.

Jordin Williams standing outside the Gatton Student Center in her graduation cap and cords.

From first-gen student to campus leader: Jordin Williams leaves her mark on College of Social Work

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Leaving her legacy at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), Jordin Williams will receive her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) from UK on December 19. Williams is a trailblazer within the CJ program, creating a lasting community of change during her time at UK.

Graduating in only 2.5 years, Williams, a first-generation college student, is the co-founder and President of the Criminal Justice Association, a CoSW Student Ambassador, K-Week Leader, and the recipient of the Dean’s Outstanding Service Award. She was also accepted into the CoSW Accelerated Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, taking graduate level classes for a jump start on her MSW..

Jordin Williams standing on steps in UK Blue attire

Through all of this success, Williams credits the CoSW for the support she received along the way.

“I felt my College of Social Work professors, the Dean, and everybody associated with the College saw me for who I was, not just a number, and that made me want to get more involved and help out in any way that I could,” Williams shared.

Another support Williams received along the way is the UK Women & Philanthropy Scholarship, which helped her focus on her academics her final semester and not on the financial strain of tuition.

As an out of state student from Vicksburg, Mississippi, Williams shares that the scholarship opportunities offered by UK were a huge help in her academic success, encouraging other out of state students to follow in her footsteps.

“I encourage all interested students, whether they are from Kentucky or out of state, to come visit campus. Once you meet people and experience the campus environment, you will fall in love,” Williams said. “Everybody wants to feel supported, and you will feel supported at UK College of Social Work. It really is just a big community, and we would love for you to be a part of that.”

Exploring careers and opportunities in both criminal justice and social work, Williams shares that she recently became a registered behavioral technician, working with children with autism. She has also found a passion for the field of victim advocacy; a path she hopes to pursue following graduation.

Reflecting on her time (so far) in the College, Williams speaks on the personal hard work and dedication, as well as the support she received on her journey. A reminder of the difference a scholarship can make in a student’s life, and the lives that student can change with a social work or criminal justice degree.

“Graduating from the College of Social Work, it means the world to me,” Williams shared. “The family that I’ve built here, the friends, the community, I love it. And I think that’s why I ultimately chose to stay here for another year, because I love the family and the support that I have here at UK.”