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UK College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Anthony Traver as Assistant Professor of Social Work

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Anthony Traver, Ph.D., will be appointed as Assistant Professor of Social Work, bringing a strong background in social work research and practice, with a focus on housing insecurity among older adults.  

With clinical experience in substance use treatment and housing programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, Traver’s research explores how stable housing impacts health and well-being later in life. He has led projects on “aging in the right place,” housing as a social determinant of health, and the effects of guaranteed income on older adults without housing. Traver was also a 2023–24 Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work Pre-Dissertation Fellow. 

“Dr. Traver’s work sits at the critical intersection of housing, aging, and community wellbeing—areas of growing importance in our field. His commitment to research-informed practice brings timely and necessary expertise to our college,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement. 

Originally from Syracuse, New York, Traver earned his Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Boston College and a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in May 2025. 

Traver has published peer-reviewed work in The Journal of Aging and Environment, with additional research in The Gerontologist. He has co-authored several journal articles and technical reports and earned the 2024 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Grand Challenges of Social Work: End Homelessness Doctoral Award. 

In addition to his research, Traver has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in research methods and substance use theory. He also earned the 2024 Erlen Award from Ohio State’s College of Social Work in recognition of his academic achievement and service. 

Prior to his doctoral studies, Traver worked in Portland, Oregon, as a substance use and mental health counselor before serving as the clinical supervisor at a permanent supportive housing program. His work emphasized the integration of housing and health services to support individuals with complex needs. He is also a licensed clinical social worker in Oregon. 

Outside of his academic work, Traver recently got engaged to his partner Katy, a hospice and palliative care social worker, and is looking forward to rock climbing in the Red River Gorge and exploring the Kentucky countryside by motorcycle. 

Dustin Roberson Joins the CoSW as Clinical Faculty 

Dustin Roberson, DSW, MBA, will start an appointment as a clinical faculty member at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW). A proud CoSW alumnus, Roberson brings a deep commitment to student learning, informed by years of experience in clinical practice, business leadership, and classroom instruction. 

Roberson has already made a lasting impression in the classroom, where his student-centered approach and practice-based insights have helped prepare learners for the realities of the field. Now, in his full-time role, he looks forward to further investing in the development of future social workers. 

“As a student, I had incredible interactions with faculty that shaped who I am,” Roberson shared. “Being able to provide that same level of mentorship and support is what drew me back to the College in a teaching role—and what makes this next chapter so meaningful.” 

A first-generation college graduate, Roberson understands the challenges many students face in navigating higher education. His teaching philosophy centers on meeting learners where they are, bringing real-world application into the classroom, and using his own experiences—including moments of failure—as teaching tools. “The field doesn’t always follow a textbook,” he said. “By bringing those real-life situations into class, I hope to equip students with the tools to think critically and respond confidently.” 

His research interests include substance use treatment, foster care systems, and healthcare accessibility—areas in which he brings both firsthand insight and a passion for improving outcomes. 

“Dustin has already made a strong impact in the classroom,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, associate dean of faculty advancement. “His commitment to practice-informed teaching and student success exemplifies what we value in our faculty. We’re thrilled to have him continue building on that momentum.” 

Outside the classroom, Roberson is full of surprises—he once attended Bethel University on a bowling scholarship and served as president of his high school church choir. 

Graham Family Honors Sons’ Legacy With Support for Social Work’s Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab

LEXINGTON, Ky. – To honor their sons’ lives and legacies, retired U.S. Army Major Gen. Mark Graham and Carol Graham have partnered with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab (SPEL), the new home of the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund.

Jeffrey and Kevin Graham were both UK students, Jeffrey a 2003 graduate and a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, and Kevin a senior ROTC cadet, both poised for a bright future in the military, like their father.

Following a battle with depression, Kevin lost his life to suicide in June 2003. Less than a year later, in 2004, Jeffrey was overseas in Iraq where he was killed by a roadside bomb while leading a foot patrol.

Jeffrey and Kevin Graham – photo provided by Graham family.

Turning tragedy into purpose, the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund was established in 2005 at the University of Kentucky to honor both of their sons and to support suicide prevention initiatives on UK’s campus, including Question, Persuade, Refer – a suicide prevention program meant to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

“We established the fund to raise awareness and ensure that our sons’ loss had meaning and can help other people,” Major General Graham said. “We don’t want anyone else to go through what we went through with our son, Kevin, and die by suicide. That’s why the suicide prevention work is so important, to help prevent this from happening to anyone else.”

Now, 20 years later, that fund will support the work done by Dr. Julie Cerel at the SPEL Lab. A Professor in the UK College of Social Work and a licensed clinical psychologist, Cerel’s research focuses on suicide bereavement and exposure, and she is recognized as a leader in the field.

Cerel recently received the Norman Farberow Award for Bereavement and Lived Experience by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), recognizing her transformative research, which expands understanding of the impact of suicide on families, friends and entire communities.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to know Major General Graham and Mrs. Graham since I got to University of Kentucky in 2005,” Cerel said. “I am honored that the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund will support the important work we are doing at the Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab. A priority for this fund will be working on CODE RED, our universal safety planning initiative, to expand and ensure that everyone has a safety plan for their worst day.”

Developed by Cerel, CODE RED is being implemented in Kentucky through the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Work — reaching middle and high schools across the state. More than 1,000 people have already created personalized safety plans. These plans are dynamic, evolving documents that participants are encouraged to reflect on and update over time.

Along with CODE RED, the Grahams’ story and the power of connection is a way to save lives as well, Cerel notes.

“When we think about impact, it’s not just research or data—it’s connection. The Grahams’ story connects people. It gives them the language. It moves them to act. And that’s how we start saving lives,” said Cerel.

For General and Mrs. Graham, the opportunity to work with Dr. Cerel and knowing through her work, countless lives will be saved, is a powerful way to honor Kevin and Jeffrey.

“Dr. Cerel and her team give us the research and tools, and we share the faces and hearts behind the numbers,” Carol Graham said. “We never expected to be doing this work, but we’ve seen how it can save lives. And as long as we can, we’ll keep going. For Kevin. For Jeffrey. And for every family who needs hope.”

To support the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund, please visit the dedicated page on give.uky.edu. For more information on Cerel and her work, visit the Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab website.

College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Nicole McKenna as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to welcome Dr. Nicole McKenna as an Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice. 

With a professional background grounded in trauma-informed practice and youth-focused interventions, McKenna brings a depth of knowledge and lived experience to her academic work. She has served in many roles across the justice and social service spectrum, including as a case manager, peer advocate, adult substance use counselor, and after-school program manager for youth. 

Prior to joining CoSW, McKenna was an Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she also taught college-level courses inside a youth detention center. Her research incorporates community participatory action methods, emphasizing collaboration and equity in justice research. 

McKenna earned her bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Psychology from Westminster University in Salt Lake City. She holds a Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and a PhD in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. She completed postdoctoral research at the Rutgers University School of Social Work. 

“Dr. McKenna’s expertise in youth justice, trauma-informed care, and participatory research methods will be an incredible asset to our growing criminal justice program,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her teaching and research align deeply with our commitment to transformative, justice-oriented education.” 

“I’m really looking forward to joining the College of Social Work at UK in the new criminal justice program,” McKenna said. “Much of my experience and interest sits at the intersection of criminal justice and social work, and I am excited to be part of a program that embodies that. I’m eager to develop relationships with the community and UK’s students to create more trauma-informed and just approaches for supporting youth.” 

In addition to her academic accomplishments, McKenna is certified in Participatory Action Research, Trauma-Informed Care, and Restorative Justice.  

Outside the classroom, she enjoys hosting game and craft nights, watching reality TV (especially The Real Housewives), and spending time with her cat, Freya—who, according to her, quickly becomes everyone’s favorite. 

She is currently collaborating on a book and conference presentations exploring The Real Housewives of Crime, blending pop culture with criminological theory. 

To learn more about Dr. McKenna’s work, visit her LinkedIn profile. 

Social Work Welcomes Dr. Paul Bleakley as New Faculty Member in Criminal Justice 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Paul Bleakley, Ph.D., will be appointed as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, adding a dynamic and experienced voice to its Criminal Justice program. 

Originally from Australia, Bleakley was born and raised in the Gold Coast before launching an international career that has spanned journalism, education, and academic research.  

“Dr. Bleakley brings a global perspective to the field of criminal justice, with a blend of academic expertise and real-world experience. His interdisciplinary background and commitment to advancing criminal justice will be an asset to our program and our students,” Dr. Jackie Duron, CoSW Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement, said. 

Bleakley began his professional journey as a journalist, serving as a news editor in the United Kingdom and later as a television producer for a major news network in Australia. His reporting spanned politics, entertainment, and global affairs, with a special emphasis on crime reporting, an interest that ultimately inspired a career transition into academia. 

After earning a Ph.D. in criminology from the University of New England, Bleakley began teaching at Middlesex University in London, where he also served as program director for the undergraduate criminology program. Most recently, Bleakley was an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, where he was named a University Research Scholar. 

Bleakley earned a Bachelor of Journalism and Graduate Diploma in Education from Griffith University (Australia), along with a Master of History and a Master of English from the University of New England in Australia. Additionally, Bleakley holds a Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter-terrorism from Macquarie University in Sydney. Bleakley’s doctoral research focused on police corruption and its impact on marginalized populations in Queensland, Australia. 

A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK, Bleakley also serves as the current Chair of the American Society of Criminology’s Division of Historical Criminology, further contributing to the advancement of the field through leadership and service. 

Outside the classroom, Bleakley visited over 200 craft breweries across eight countries and stayed overnight at a wombat rescue sanctuary in Tasmania. An avid reality television fan, Bleakley proudly claims expertise in all things Bravo, especially The Real Housewives franchises. 

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join UK’s criminal justice program at this exciting time in its growth,” said Bleakley. “I look forward to helping to build it into one of the best in the country.”  

College of Social Work Welcomes New Faculty Cohort

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) welcomes the addition of 14 new faculty members, joining the College at the start of the 2025–26 academic year.

Bringing a wide range of research interests, teaching expertise, and professional experiences, this cohort will strengthen the CoSW’s mission to develop high-quality practitioners and scholars dedicated to advancing the fields of social work and criminal justice.

The incoming faculty bring backgrounds in areas such as substance use, mental and behavioral health, child welfare, sport social work, and criminal justice. Their scholarship and practice experience will expand both the undergraduate and graduate programs at CoSW, as well as the College’s research impact and community partnerships.

“We are excited to welcome this group of talented scholars to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work and the Lexington community,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement. “Their work will inspire and develop our students, equipping them to address societies’ greatest challenges and produce research with real-world impact.”

The addition of this new cohort reflects CoSW’s dedication to advancing social work and criminal justice education, research, and service across the Commonwealth.

Follow along with the UK College of Social Work on LinkedIn to learn more about each new faculty member and their role at CoSW.

Dr. Julie Cerel accepting the Norman Farberow Award for Bereavement and Lived Experience

UK’s Julie Cerel honored with international award for advancing understanding of suicide’s ripple effects

This article was originally published by Breanna Williams on UKNow. You can view the original article here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 15, 2025) — Julie Cerel, Ph.D., professor in the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky, has been honored with the Norman Farberow Award for Bereavement and Lived Experience by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

The award recognizes her transformative research, which expands understanding of the impact of suicide on families, friends and entire communities.

Cerel, who is also the director of the Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab (SPEL), received the award at the 33rd World Congress in Vienna, Austria.

“It’s gratifying to have the work that I’ve been doing throughout my career — in suicide, bereavement, exposure and lived experience — recognized as fundamental to the field,” Cerel said. “It was great being in a room full of more than 800 colleagues acknowledging how important it is to not only prevent suicide, but to help the people left behind.”

A licensed clinical psychologist, Cerel’s research focuses on suicide bereavement and exposure, and she is recognized as a leader in the field.

Using random-digit dialing and household sampling, Cerel has found that nearly half of Americans personally know someone who has died by suicide — with approximately one-third reporting a significant personal impact from the loss. As a result, her postvention research has evolved to include broader suicide exposure, extending beyond immediate family members to encompass the wider circle of those affected.

“In the United States, postvention — the work done after a suicide — hasn’t received the same level of funding or recognition as other areas of suicide research,” Cerel explained. “It’s encouraging to see that internationally, and increasingly here at home, people are beginning to take postvention seriously and understand that losing someone to suicide can increase the risk for those left behind.”

Cerel has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications, with nearly 80 of those focused specifically on suicide exposure, bereavement and the lived experience of those affected.

She and her team are currently leading CODE RED Universal Safety Planning — a proactive approach based on the belief that everyone should have a safety plan in place for their worst day. Developed by Cerel, CODE RED is being implemented in Kentucky through the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Work — reaching middle and high schools across the state. More than 1,000 people have already created personalized safety plans. These plans are dynamic, evolving documents that participants are encouraged to reflect on and update over time.

Through her research, Cerel aims to continue raising awareness about suicide exposure — the concept that suicidal deaths or behaviors can deeply affect those connected to the individual.

“We can help people find ways to lessen that impact,” she said. “It’s important they maintain a healthy bond with the person they’ve lost, without letting that loss shift their own path toward suicidal thoughts or behaviors.”

For more information on Cerel and her work, visit the Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab website.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

Kentucky Kinship Resource Center continues its impact across the Commonwealth

LEXINGTON, Ky. – One year ago, the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC) at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) broadened its mission to support all types of kinship caregivers across the Commonwealth — from those with legal custody to foster parents and relatives or friends stepping in to raise a child.

Across the nation, nearly 2.7 million young people are being raised by a relative. This care arrangement, referred to as kinship care, is necessary when parents are unable to safely care for children in their home. It is estimated that Kentucky has one of the highest rates of kinship care in the country. Over the course of the last year, the KKRC has seen an influx of referrals for kinship caregivers throughout Kentucky.

“The expansion of the KKRC allowed us to broaden our reach to include all types of kinship caregivers,” Sheila Rentfrow, KKRC Program Manager, said. “The very nature of kinship care is that it poses emotional challenges and family dynamics that are difficult to navigate without assistance and support from those who have also walked this journey, which is where the KKRC comes in.”

The CoSW launched the KKRC in March of 2020 to provide a continuum of services to meet the unique needs of kinship providers across the Commonwealth, including one-on-one peer support, support groups, and online webinars and trainings.

With the expansion of the KKRC, the center also launched the Kinship Navigator Program, designed to reach caregivers early in their caregiving journey, once they have been identified as a potential placement for a child. The Kinship Navigator Program seeks to alleviate challenges during the kinship experience and help caregivers understand the resources available to them during their kinship journey.

Throughout the last year, Navigators have been hired in every service region of the Commonwealth. Among those Navigators is Melissa Dudley in the Cumberland Service Region, who shares that working with kinship caregivers has been one of the most profound and humbling experiences of her career.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the depth of the caregivers’ compassion and sacrifices they make, often in silence,” Dudley shared. “I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside colleagues who are just as passionate and dedicated. Their integrity, teamwork, and willingness to show up day after day with empathy and resilience has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Reports have shown that the KKRC has increased caregiving capacity, reduced stress, and offered increased stability to Kentucky families. In 2023, the KKRC was nationally recognized and named “Parent Group of the Year” by the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). The award is designed to honor parent associations and groups for their excellence in supporting adoptive, foster and kinship families. 

More recently, KY-KINS was approved to certify kinship peer supporters, in accordance with Kentucky standards. The program is recognized as meeting state certification requirements — allowing the KKRC to address critical workforce and behavioral health needs in Kentucky.

A year after the expansion, the KKRC continues to seek new ways to innovate and support caregivers as they care for their families.

“Although this journey can be challenging in many ways, at the KKRC, we understand and are here to help,” Rentfrow said.  “Our goal is to help families find the resources, support, and connections that are vital to kinship care so that they can focus on caring for their family.”

To learn more about KKRC, or if you are a kin caregiver in need of support, email kinship@uky.edu or visit the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center Website.

UK Social Work students gain global perspective in Ireland and Northern Ireland

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) went global this May, traveling to Ireland and Northern Ireland to learn about the ongoing peacebuilding in these countries, view social issues in an intersectional way, and observe social work practices from an international lens.

Drs. Natalie Pope and Aubrey Jones facilitated this trip that included students from all degree programs at the CoSW. The group participated in many activities focusing on peacebuilding, including a Black Taxi Tour in Belfast to learn more about the peace walls that still divide nationalist and loyalist communities, as well as attend a workshop at the Theater of Witness in Derry, a performance project that brings together people with firsthand experiences of trauma during the 30-year conflict.

Learning about social work practices in other countries is an important part of the experience, Dr. Jones shared.

“I hope our students were able to learn more about the peace and reconciliation process and recognize the compromises that were made during the conflict to achieve peace,” Jones said. “I also hope they learned how much we can all learn from other countries.”

Ben Ison, a senior studying criminal justice, gained valuable insight into how societies deal with post-conflict healing, trauma, and peace within communities. Specifically, how deeply rooted conflict can continue to impact communities long after peace agreements are signed.

This education abroad trip was an opportunity to challenge his belief system and think about social work and criminal justice from a global perspective.

“Hearing from individuals and organizations directly impacted by the Troubles showed me how deeply historical trauma can influence current social systems and community needs,” Ison said. “This trip has also changed my perspective on the healing process. In Belfast, the peace walls remain standing, and some communication is still somewhat tense. However, we must recognize the progress they’ve made as a society.”

The group also shared in experiences that celebrated the Irish culture, including attending a local football match and singing along with Tommy Sands, a well-known Irish folk singer and activist.

“As an instructor, I enjoy walking alongside students in a class like education abroad,” Dr. Pope shared. “Although Dr. Jones and I are instructors, we are also guests in our host country, as well as fellow travelers and learners alongside our students. Doing a trip like this brings an incredible comradery with it that I love.”

For Ison, this trip abroad was a life-changing experience and an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“This experience pushed me way out of my comfort zone and gave me lifelong friendships and experiences I will never forget. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and would encourage anyone even slightly considering it to apply,” Ison said.

Aniyah Maxey posing with the award received at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards

Social Work student honored for campus leadership and impact

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Aniyah Maxey, a standout student in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), has been named SGA Student of the Month and recognized as one of the Sarah Bennett Holmes 30 Under 30 honorees—two accolades that reflect her powerful voice and lasting influence on campus.

For Maxey, the journey through the College of Social Work has been nothing short of transformative.

“My experience in the College of Social Work has been incredibly rewarding,” she shared. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from passionate faculty, engage in meaningful fieldwork, and build lasting relationships with peers who share my dedication to service and advocacy. It’s helped shape my commitment to uplifting communities—whether through policy, community organizing, or direct practice.”

Beyond the classroom, Maxey is a force across campus life—balancing multiple campus jobs, active roles in student organizations, and a clear vision for inclusive leadership.

“I believe in the power of showing up,” she said. “Whether through student government, service projects, or mentoring, I’ve learned how to advocate effectively, listen deeply, and bring people together to create meaningful change.”

Her advice to fellow social work students? “Step outside of your comfort zone. Seek out mentorship. Say yes to opportunities that challenge you. And always remember your ‘why.’ Staying grounded in your passion for justice will carry you forward.”

The College of Social Work is proud to celebrate Aniyah Maxey—an advocate, leader, and changemaker whose contributions continue to uplift the UK community.