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Image of UK COSW Criminal Justice backpack sitting next to open laptop

Social Work launches dual credit courses in Eastern Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. — In the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Kentucky, a group of high school students will begin college courses this fall without ever leaving their classrooms.

Thanks to a new initiative from the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW), up to 45 students from Fleming County, Menifee County, and Paintsville high schools will enroll in a dual credit course, earning both high school and college credit. The course, Introduction to Criminal Justice, will be offered at no cost to students. It marks the College’s first venture into dual credit education.

“Dual credit programs are one of the most effective ways to bolster college enrollment and completion,” said Matt Moore, associate dean at CoSW, who helped lead the effort. “For many, college can feel like a distant reality—financially, academically, and geographically. This program brings it closer.”

The course is part of a broader effort to increase college readiness and expand educational pathways for Kentucky high schoolers. Earlier this year, CoSW launched the 606 Initiative: EKY E.D.G.E. (Education. Development. Growth. Empowerment.), a program specifically designed to support students from Eastern Kentucky’s 606 area code.

In addition to dual credit offerings, the initiative provides comprehensive support through application fee waivers, scholarships, mentorship, and career development resources—all aimed at helping students pursue higher education and thrive in social work or criminal justice careers.

“We believe opportunity shouldn’t depend on geography,” said Dr. Jay Miller, dean of CoSW. “This initiative is about meeting students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.”

UK College of Social Work Celebrates Inaugural Class of Criminal Justice Graduates

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is celebrating a historic milestone as it graduates its first-ever class of Criminal Justice majors.

These students are the first in the university’s history to leave UK with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Criminal Justice, programs that launched in Fall 2023 as part of CoSW’s commitment to advancing social justice and public service.

Among the graduates is Avery Powers, who played a pivotal role in shaping the undergraduate CJ program’s student experience. Powers founded the UK Criminal Justice Student Organization, a dynamic space for students to connect, engage in professional development, and explore careers in the field.

The inaugural class also includes many other outstanding graduates who have contributed to the program’s early success. Through coursework, research, and community engagement, these students have tackled complex issues at the intersection of criminal justice and social work, preparing to enter fields ranging from law enforcement and forensic psychology to policy advocacy and rehabilitation services.

“The launch of the Criminal Justice Program marked a bold expansion of the College of Social Work’s enduring commitment to justice and community impact,” said Dean Jay Miller. “Now, as we celebrate the graduation of our inaugural class, we are witnessing the transformative potential of this program—not only for our students, but for the justice systems, institutions, and communities they will undoubtedly influence.”

As the first class of Criminal Justice graduates crosses the stage on May 9, 2025, they are doing more than earning a degree—they are laying the foundation for an expansive academic legacy.

Their work, both now and in the years to come, reflects the University of Kentucky’s mission of education, service, and leadership across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Mental health program cuts costs, hospitalizations in Kentucky 

Lexington, KY — Faculty researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) have released compelling findings that affirm the effectiveness and fiscal responsibility of Kentucky’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program.  

The multi-year evaluation, led by Dr. Aaron Brown and Dr. Aubrey Jones, offers robust evidence that AOT not only reduces healthcare utilization and Medicaid costs but also supports long-term stability for individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) across the state. 

Kentucky’s AOT initiative was established under Tim’s Law, and functions as a civil court-ordered program that ensures individuals with SMI receive comprehensive, community-based mental health services. This includes case management, psychiatric support, counseling, and linkage to housing and vocational resources.  

Researchers analyzed Medicaid billing data for 74 participants enrolled between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2024, examining healthcare usage before, during, and after AOT participation.  

Key findings demonstrate a clear trajectory of improvement: 

  • Hospitalizations decreased by 67% following AOT participation. 
  • Medicaid spending dropped by 66% during the program. 
  • After program completion, costs remained 55% lower than pre-AOT levels. 
  • Healthcare encounters decreased by 48% from pre- to post-AOT periods. 

“These findings show AOT’s value as a stabilizing force in both individual lives and the larger healthcare system,” said Jones. “The program not only connects people with needed care—it reduces crisis events, hospital stays, and interactions with the justice system.” 

The data also highlights a shift in quality-of-life indicators. According to participant feedback, 90% of individuals reported feeling more capable of handling daily life. Reductions in jail time, homelessness, and emergency room visits were also observed. 

“Too often, individuals with SMI cycle through hospitals and jails without access to long-term solutions,” noted Brown. “AOT gives them the structure and support to break that cycle, and it saves taxpayer dollars in the process.” 

 in partnership with Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), offering policymakers actionable insight into the benefits of continuing and expanding the AOT model across the state. 

As Kentucky faces increasing mental health needs, the CoSW findings make a strong case for continued investment in evidence-based, community-integrated solutions. 

For more information on Assisted Outpatient Treatment in Kentucky, visit: https://dbhdid.ky.gov/mh/aot. 

Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars

Social Work hosts Spring 2025 Doctor of Social Work virtual showcase

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Over the course of three days, more than 150 Doctor of Social Work (DSW) scholars from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Social Work presented their capstone research at the Spring 2025 Virtual Showcase. The event drew nearly 3,000 registrants nationwide and awarded over 600 continuing education credits to social work professionals in attendance.

The Virtual Showcase featured student-led research that addressed urgent and complex challenges across communities, systems, and populations. Topics included trauma-informed policing, aging-inclusive sexual health, mental health in military families, disparities in healthcare access, and school-based interventions, among others.

“The DSW Showcase reflects our students’ unwavering commitment to advancing the human condition,” said Dr. E-R, director of the DSW Program. “This isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about producing scholarship that drives systemic change.”

Projects highlighted during the event include:

  • Expanding clinical trial access among Black cancer patients (read more)
  • Advancing trauma-informed care in K–12 education (read more)
  • Addressing barriers to employment for individuals with justice involvement (read more)
  • Identifying harmful policies affecting gender-diverse youth (read more)

These projects are the culmination of rigorous doctoral-level study grounded in the scholar-practitioner model, which integrates academic research with applied leadership in real-world contexts.

In addition to the academic achievements presented, the DSW Class of 2025 also introduced their collective class gift: Grounded Together: Creating a Place at UK. This initiative, designed to support students with foster care experience, includes mentorship programming, leadership development opportunities, academic support, and emergency assistance. The gift underscores the cohort’s shared values and their commitment to increasing equity and access in higher education.

Gatton Student Center

Social Work wellness program invites staff to connect with the arts 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The College of Social Work and the College of Fine Arts at the University of Kentucky has announced a new partnership to support social work faculty and staff wellbeing. The partnership, which is part of the College of Social Work Wellness Initiative (CoSW WI), is designed to offer creative, accessible ways for employees to prioritize their well-being.  

The CoSW WI was implemented in 2023 and is part of the college’s Forward, Together Strategic Framework. The goal of the overarching initiative is to increase and foster pathways for faculty and staff to participate in wellness activities. Through this new partnership, CoSW employees and their families  can access performances held at the Singletary Center for the Arts.  

“We want our college to be an ideal place to be educated, employed, and engaged,” said Jay Miller, dean of CoSW. “Our wellness initiative is a strategic effort to actualize those goals, and offer self-care options and support to our people. This new partnership with the College of Fine Arts is but one example of such an option.”   

And if staff sentiments are an indicator, this new partnership will contribute to meeting that goal.  

For Meagan Lederman, a University of Kentucky employee of five years and staff member in the College of Social Work (CoSW), finding a sense of community in a new city hasn’t always come easy. A transplant to Lexington, she admits it can sometimes feel challenging to connect beyond the boundaries of the workplace. 

“I think connection is a big part of wellness,” explained Meagan Lederman, a CoSW staff member. “But, as someone who is not from Lexington, it has sometimes been hard to make connection and build community that feels authentic and lasting.” 

But, participating in offerings from this new partnership have changed that.   

Through the CoSW-CFA collaboration, Meagan Lederman and her family recently attended a matinee performance of A Night on Broadway: Heroes and Villains by the UK Choristers at the Singletary Center for the Arts.  

“The performance was amazing,” she said. “Each song featured incredibly talented student singers and fun choreography. What I loved most was watching my 7- and 9-year-old children completely captivated—singing along and soaking in the energy.” 

Her daughter, inspired by the show, left wondering if she might one day be a UK Chorister herself. 

“It filled me with pride, not just in working at UK, but in seeing our students shine and imagining that my kids might want to be part of this community someday,” Lederman said. 

While this partnership is in its first year, Miller looks forward to continuing to explore and expand self-care and wellness options at CoSW.  

“I am extremely grateful to Dean Shanda, CFA, and The Singletary Center for the Arts for being open to creative partnerships that support wellness,” explained Miller. “We truly hope this serves as a model that others can replicate to build community and foster employee wellbeing.”  

If Lederman’s experience is any indication, these partnerships can certainly have a big impact.  

 “Programs like this show how UK can bring people together,” Lederman added. “It helped my family feel connected to the university and to Lexington in a way that felt joyful and lasting.” 

Jordin Williams, Avery Powers, and Makari Murphy Smiling

What One Day Can Do: The Impact of Your Giving 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — On April 24, the College of Social Work came together with the entire University of Kentucky community for One Day for UK—and thanks to your generosity,  participation, and belief in our mission, we raised more than $10,000 in just 24 hours. 

Every gift made, every story shared, every moment of connection contributed to something greater: expanded student scholarships, strengthened faculty research, and enhanced programs that serve individuals and communities across Kentucky and beyond. 

We began the day in community—gathering at Patterson Office Tower over coffee and donuts to reflect on why this day matters. At our Coldstream Research Campus, faculty and staff connected over pizza, laughter, and a little friendly competition, including a Ms. Pac-Man tournament and a virtual reality tennis match. These moments reminded us that joy and purpose can go hand in hand. 

Throughout the day, we heard from voices that inspire us. In one especially meaningful message, Dr. Akbar Hasan shared his personal commitment to the College’s mission through the Dean S. Zafar Hasan Endowment Fund. As a match partner during One Day for UK, Dr. Hasan doubled the impact of every gift made during OnedayforUK—amplifying generosity and honoring a legacy rooted in equity and education. 

Whether you donated, encouraged others to give, or helped spread the word, you made this day a success. 

“This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people,” said Ramla Osman, director of philanthropy. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped move us forward. Together, we’re building something greater than any one of us could alone.” 

From all of us at the College of Social Work: thank you for showing up, giving back, and standing with us. 

We are—because of you. 

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for giving forward. 

Social Work faculty researcher develops sex education models for older adults 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Laneshia Conner, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, is addressing a critical and long-ignored public health issue: the lack of sexual health education tailored to aging adults, particularly aging racial minority women. 

Through her project, Advancing Gerontological Health Education, Conner is developing culturally relevant and age-inclusive tools that promote informed conversations about sexual health, hygiene, and disease prevention in later life. The initiative is supported by the UNITE Humanities Pilot Grant—part of UK’s UNITE Research Priority Area, which fosters interdisciplinary research aimed at dismantling health disparities. 

“Most sexual health education models are designed with younger populations in mind,” Conner said. “While that’s certainly important – there’s a need for resources that consider the changes that occur with age and how those changes might impact sexual health.” 

The project includes the design of 2-D flashcards and, eventually, 3-D models that reflect the anatomical and physiological changes that occur with aging. But the tools go beyond anatomy—they are intended to support critical dialogue, uncover social and behavioral risk factors, and promote self-advocacy for older adults navigating healthcare. 

“This gap in education leaves many older adults without the necessary knowledge to maintain proper hygiene and sexual health,” said Conner. “The inspiration for this project came from the absence of culturally tailored materials—particularly for aging racial minority women—despite rising rates of STIs and HIV in this population.” 

The research is both deeply practical and firmly rooted in the values of social work. 

“By developing audience-specific materials, this project contributes to social work’s broader mission—advancing health equity, promoting inclusive education, and reducing disparities among marginalized populations,” Conner explained. 

While Conner’s project is still in its development phase, it represents a larger shift in health research—one celebrated during the recent UK UNITE Research Showcase, which brought together researchers, students, and community partners across disciplines. 

Riya and Richa side by side smiling

Side by Side: Riya and Richa Patel Graduate as Trailblazers of UK’s MSCJ Program 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For best friends Riya and Richa Patel, pursuing a graduate degree wasn’t part of a long-planned path. It was a casual conversation between work shifts—one that transformed into a life-changing decision. Now, as members of the first graduating cohort of the University of Kentucky’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program, they’re walking across the finish line—together. 

The sisters-in-spirit, who met as kids and grew closer through school and shared life experiences, found themselves drawn to UK’s newly launched MSCJ program for different reasons. For Richa, it was a stepping stone to law school. For Riya, it was a way to expand her career in criminal justice with a focus on issues like human trafficking and child exploitation. 

“We didn’t originally plan to do this together,” Riya said. “But once we started talking about it, everything fell into place. It just made sense.” 

While the MSCJ program is fully online, the pair made a point to keep the experience personal—and communal. From late-night calls to discussion post reminders and peer-editing papers, their shared journey was marked by accountability, encouragement, and more than a few text exchanges. 

“I’d forget to post something, and Riya would message me, ‘Where’s your post?’” Richa laughed. “It’s those little things that made this program feel less isolating and more like a shared mission.” 

The academic rigor was real, with weekly papers, demanding work schedules, and heavy course loads, yet both students emphasized the program’s deeper impact on how they see justice, leadership, and their roles in creating change.

Classes like Administrative and Leadership Practices in Criminal Justice Organizations opened unexpected doors. Richa’s interview with a veteran homicide detective reshaped how she viewed law enforcement from a practitioner’s perspective. Riya’s conversation with a leader at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children solidified her aspirations for victim advocacy work. 

“These weren’t just classes—they were catalysts,” Richa said. “They challenged us to think differently, to think bigger.” 

As members of the inaugural MSCJ class, Riya and Richa have done more than earn a degree—they’ve helped shape the program and the next generation of justice-driven professionals.

“Being part of the first cohort feels really special,” Richa said. “We get to help shape what this experience can look like for others.” 

With graduation in sight, their futures are just beginning. Richa is preparing for the LSAT and law school, hoping to specialize in immigration or criminal defense. Riya is looking to deepen her work in child advocacy and anti-trafficking efforts. Both remain united by a shared vision of service, justice, and impact. 

“We’re proud,” Richa said, “but in our family, this is just the beginning.” 

As they reflect on this milestone—one forged through resilience, sisterhood, and a few long walks from the library parking lot—they hope their story encourages others to find strength in community. 

“To future MSCJ students,” Riya said, “stay connected, stay curious, and don’t do it alone.” 

To learn more about the MSCJ program at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, visit https://online.uky.edu/masters/criminal-justice/mscj.  

Dr. Matt Moore with Army-MSW students 

Army–UK MSW Program Honors 2025 Graduating Cohort

 LEXINGTON — On April 18, 2025, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) and the United States Army will recognize 27 graduating officers at a ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. The event honors the accomplishments of the newest cohort to complete the Army-University of Kentucky Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

The 2025 graduating class includes 25 Active Duty Army officers, one Air Force officer, and one Army National Guard officer. Following graduation, these individuals will begin their post-graduate clinical internships with military and Veterans Affairs sites across the country as they work toward independent licensure as clinical social workers.

CoSW has partnered with the Department of Defense since 2016 to offer this specialized MSW program, which is designed to equip military social workers with the clinical skills necessary to meet the unique needs of service members and their families.

“This program is more than a degree—it’s a mission,” said Colonel Teresa Murray, director of the Army-UK MSW program. “Each graduate leaves here prepared to support our military community with the highest standard of clinical care. The collaboration with the University of Kentucky continues to be instrumental in helping us build a stronger, more resilient force.”

The Army-UK MSW is a full-time, 60-credit-hour program offered at the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston. The curriculum is delivered in an accelerated format over 14 continuous months, with courses taught on-site at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

“As Kentucky’s flagship land-grant institution, we are proud to answer the call to serve those who serve,” said Jay Miller, CoSW dean. “The Army MSW program is an example of how academic institutions can contribute meaningfully to national readiness and wellness. We are honored to play a role in the journey of these remarkable individuals.”

To learn more about the Army-UK MSW program, visit https://socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/.

Albright to explore impact of law enforcement careers on children and families

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Rixie Albright, LCSW, CFRC, a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) candidate at the University of Kentucky, will present her research on Tuesday, April 29, at 4:00 p.m. ET as part of the 2025 Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars.

Her presentation, “What is the Impact of Being Raised in a Law Enforcement Family?” will focus on the often-overlooked emotional and developmental effects of law enforcement careers on the children of officers. While extensive research has examined trauma exposure and hypervigilance in officers themselves, Albright’s work emphasizes the need to understand the secondary trauma and family system disruptions that can accompany a law enforcement lifestyle.

Through her capstone, Albright proposes early and continuous wellness education for both officers and their families—starting in the academy and extending throughout the career—to better equip families to manage stressors, maintain healthy relationships, and foster resilience in children.

With over 24 years of clinical experience, Albright currently serves as Director of First Responder Wellness and Resiliency at Premier Psychiatric Services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also a Certified First Responder Counselor and a contract support service member for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), in addition to serving as Clinical Director for Louisiana’s Post Critical Incident Seminar.

The Virtual Showcase is free and open to the public. Select sessions offer CE credit.