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Social Work launches first-of-its-kind Doctorate Concentration in Sport Social Work

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced the launch of a Sports Social Work Concentration within its nationally recognized Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program—the first programmatic offering of its kind in the United States.

Designed in response to the growing mental health needs of athletes and athletic communities, the Sports Social Work Concentration prepares doctoral-level social workers to provide critical support in diverse athletic environments. The concentration also explores the strategic use of sport as a therapeutic and community-building intervention, particularly for youth and clinical populations.

“This concentration represents a bold step forward in advancing the reach and relevance of social work,” said Dr. Laura Escobar Ratliff, Director of the DSW Program. “By entering the world of sport, our DSW scholars are uniquely positioned to influence systems, challenge stigma, and drive meaningful change where it’s urgently needed.”

Housed within CoSW’s Core Plus DSW model, the concentration includes a three-course sequence featuring advanced coursework in sport theory, policy, and practice. Students will be equipped to lead at the intersection of sports, health, and social justice—fields that increasingly demand professionals with specialized, evidence-informed training.

“Social work continues to expand its footprint in nontraditional spaces, and sport is no exception,” said Dr. Jay Miller, Dean of the College of Social Work. “This concentration acknowledges the unique needs of athletic communities and equips social workers with the skills to meaningfully support athletes and their systems.”

The launch of the concentration builds on the momentum of the Sport Social Work Collaborative—a national partnership between the Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL), the Sport Social Work Journal (SSWJ), and the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS). Together, these organizations advance the field through research, education, and community engagement.

“This new concentration solidifies our role as a national leader in emerging social work specialties,” said Dr. Matt Moore, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. “Students will gain access to cutting-edge curricula and a network of professionals committed to positively impacting athletes and communities.”

Courses are delivered fully online in an asynchronous format, complemented by a required summer residency week. An asynchronous residency option is also available to provide additional flexibility.

For more information on the DSW Sports Social Work Concentration, visit https://online.uky.edu/doctorate/social-work/dsw.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Joelisse Galarza 

Lexington, KY – When Dr. Joelisse Galarza began her doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky, she wasn’t just pursuing a degree—she was refining a vision. 

Already working in clinical and educational settings, Galarza entered the College of Social Work (CoSW) online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program with a clear objective: to better equip school leaders to address the growing mental health needs of students through research-informed, trauma-conscious approaches. 

“Developing my capstone was a turning point,” Galarza shared. “It helped me connect theory, data, and daily practice in ways that strengthened my leadership and clarified my purpose.” 

Her capstone project, which examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and academic outcomes, positioned trauma-informed leadership not as a specialty but as a foundational component of effective school administration.  

Drawing from resiliency theory and ecological systems theory, Galarza crafted a framework to guide educational leaders in fostering school environments where students—and staff—can thrive. 

Galarza’s work didn’t go unnoticed.  

This past May, just ahead of commencement, Galarza was notified that she had been selected as the recipient of the Leadership in Advancing Social Work Practice and Social Justice Award, a national honor presented by the National DSW Conference committee. 

“Receiving this award is more than just a personal milestone,” she said. “It affirms the importance of my voice and my representation. It honors the invisible labor of pushing for change and affirms my direction in this work.” 

Throughout the program, Galarza balanced her doctoral studies with professional responsibilities across both clinical and school-based settings. That dual engagement, she said, gave her a unique perspective on how research and practice can inform one another in real time. 

“There were nights I’d finish supporting a crisis or a mental health consultation and turn right around to write about leadership responses to trauma,” she said. “The emotional labor was real, but so was the purpose. I knew my research could make a difference, and that kept me going.” 

Now a DSW graduate, Galarza is turning her attention to extending the reach of her work. She aims to continue developing training modules for school districts, mentoring emerging social work leaders, and exploring opportunities to teach at the collegiate level. 

“The DSW program gave me a space to grow intellectually while staying grounded in real-world application,” she said. “It’s one thing to learn new frameworks—it’s another to test them, refine them, and see the difference they make.” 

She credits the faculty at the College of Social Work with fostering an academic environment that supports applied scholarship and collaborative leadership. 

“I’m grateful to the faculty and mentors who helped shape my thinking and supported my goals throughout the program,” she said. “Their guidance allowed me to explore ideas that were both meaningful and practical—ideas I now carry into every space I serve.” 

As Galarza looks ahead, she remains committed to building strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues across education and mental health. 

“I’m proud to be part of a network of professionals who are building out what’s possible in school-based mental health,” she said. “The work is ongoing—and that’s what makes it worth doing.” 

Social Work launches graduate certificate in Rural Health and Well-Being

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the launch of a new Graduate Certificate in Rural Health and Well-Being, designed to prepare social work professionals to serve individuals and communities across Kentucky and beyond.

The certificate, which will be available beginning Fall 2025, is fully online and led by Dr. Amanda Brown, CoSW Master of Social Work Program Director.

From persistent provider shortages to economic barriers and health disparities, rural America faces an evolving set of complex issues. Rooted in the principles of quality care and access, this graduate certificate equips students to address the health, mental health, and social service challenges faced by rural communities.

“The challenges facing our rural population are unique and complex,” said Brown. “This certificate reflects our commitment to preparing students and building a workforce able to meet those needs.”

And that commitment is desperately needed.  

Approximately 93 of Kentucky’s 120 counties are predominantly rural, with nearly 40% of residents living in these areas—almost double the national average. Like rural communities nationwide, these regions often experience limited access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

The Graduate Certificate in Rural Health and Well-Being offers professionals a way to engage with and support these communities by expanding access and strengthening service delivery. Alongside coursework focused on rural health, students also complete field internships in the very communities they aim to serve.

“Field education is an essential part of this program,” said Brown. “It grounds learning in the lived realities of rural practice and helps foster trust between future providers and the communities they’ll serve.”

These experiences offer students deep insight into local strengths and needs, preparing them to build culturally responsive, relationship-driven solutions that extend beyond the classroom.

For more information, or to express interest in the certificate, contact the College of Social Work Admissions team at coswadmissions@uky.edu. You can also learn more by attending an upcoming virtual information session.

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.