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UK College of Social Work

Dean Appoints New Director of BASW Undergraduate Studies

Lexington, KY. (May 30, 2024). Dean Jay Miller today announced that Dr. Shelita Jackson has been appointed Director of BASW Undergraduate Studies (DUS). In this role, Dr. Jackson will oversee all aspects of undergraduate planning, to include the development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula and faculty assignments. As well, Dr. Jackson will also co-lead EURO, the College’s undergraduate research initiative.

Jackson replaces Dr. ZaDonna Slay, who served as acting DUS during the 23-24 academic term. During her tenure, Dr. Slay worked on several initiatives including the BASW Student Ambassador Program and a Social Work Bridge Program for aspiring middle/high school students.

“On behalf of CoSW, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Slay,” said Miller. “During her time as acting director, she continued the upward trajectory of the BASW program and contributed to setting the foundation for a host of programmatic aspects on which to build in the future.”

Dr. Jackson comes to her new role with a wealth of professional experience in social work education, policy and practice. Prior to coming to UK, Dr. Jackson was integral in the successful launch of Eastern University’s (EU) online Master of Social Work Program, including complete oversight of the initial accreditation process. At Eastern University (EU), Dr. Jackson was a member of the President’s Special Committee on Diversity, Equity and Belonging and a member of the College of Health Sciences Dean’s Council. In addition, Dr. Jackson served as Director of the Social Work Department at the University of Pennsylvania’s L.I.F.E program. She holds a BSW degree from Eastern University, a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, and a DSW from the University of St. Thomas.

Dr. Jackson’s appointment as DUS takes effect on June 1, 2024.

“Over the Hills and Through the Hollers”: Faculty Research Aids Appalachian Recovery Programs 

Lexington, KY (May 21st, 2024) – In the heart of Appalachia, a culturally rich region hard-hit by the opioid epidemic, the Kentucky Access to Recovery Program (KATR) is making significant strides in supporting individuals in their recovery journey. Faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW)  have played a crucial role by evaluating its impacts through rigorous research. 

KATR, operating across several counties in Eastern Kentucky, provides essential services to those recovering from opioid addiction. Drs. Aubrey Jones and Aaron Brown, along with their colleage Dr. Jayme Walters (Utah State University), focused their research on assessing how well the program enhances access to these critical recovery services and supports. Their study, titled “Over the Hills and Through the Hollers: How One Program is Assisting Residents of Appalachia with Opioid Use Recovery,” offers vital insights into the effectiveness of such interventions. Their work is published in  the Journal of Appalachian Health. 

“Understanding the impact of KATR is essential for optimizing our approach to recovery support in Appalachia,” Dr. Jones noted. “Our research aims to provide evidence-based feedback that can refine and strengthen the program, supporting its initiative to meet the needs of those it serves.” 

Their evaluation methods involved an analysis of the program’s service delivery mechanisms and their alignment with the unique cultural and logistical needs of the Appalachian community. This approach not only highlights the successes but also identifies potential areas for improvement. 

“Each community has its intrinsic strengths and challenges,” Brown explained. “In Appalachia, the robust community spirit can be a powerful ally in recovery efforts. By aligning our strategies with local values and resources, we can enhance the effectiveness of our interventions.” 

Their work alongside KATR efforts exemplifies the critical role of applied research in the field of social work. By closely examining the real-world impacts of recovery programs, researchers can provide invaluable feedback that can lead to more effective health interventions, tailored to the specific needs of targeted populations. 

Their research contributes not just to local improvements in Appalachia but also offers a model for similar regions across the country grappling with the opioid crisis. Through this dedicated analysis, Jones and Brown help pave the way for more effective, culturally sensitive recovery programs that can be adapted and implemented in other contexts facing similar challenges. 

Cassandra Jean Johnson holding the Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam Inclusive Excellence and Expansion Impact Award.

Celebrating Inclusive Excellence: Cassandra Jean Johnson Awarded the Emmett P. ‘Buzz’ Burnam Award”

The University of Kentucky Office for Institutional Diversity has awarded Cassandra Jean Johnson the Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam Inclusive Excellence and Expansion Impact Award.

This award is given to someone who emulates the spirit of Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam. Burnam has been — and continues to be — an icon of inclusive excellence and leadership for the University of Kentucky. For more than four decades, he served UK as a champion for all students. As an architect for diversity recruitment and retention, he left an indelible mark that allows us to continue our mission of advancing Kentucky through nurturing and cultivating our diverse talent at UK.

Johnson, a Lexington native, was influenced by Burnam’s guidance during her high school years, which led her to choose UK over her initial preferences. This pivotal decision set the course for her successful academic and professional journey. 

Johnson graduated with her undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work from UK. Throughout her time there, she actively engaged in student organizations and support services, fostering her commitment to helping others succeed. 

For four years Johnson served as a faculty member at Berea College, where she excelled in student recruitment and support initiatives. In 2001, she transitioned to her current role as program counselor/advisor at Student Support Services at UK, under the mentorship of Lydia Wims. In this capacity, she has dedicated herself to assisting first-generation, low-income, disabled, nontraditional and transfer students, providing guidance in academic, career and personal matters. She has also been instrumental in coordinating peer mentoring programs and educational enrichment initiatives. 

Beyond her professional duties, Johnson is an active member of organizations such as the Kentucky Association of Educational Opportunity and Program Personnel (KAEOPP) and the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity and Program Personnel (SAEOPP), advocating for underrepresented college students. She is an active member at Living Waters Grace Temple. 

With a passion for empowering young people and dismantling societal barriers, she views her work as a calling rather than merely a job. Her mission is to inspire resilience, perseverance and a thirst for knowledge in every student she encounters. 

Johnson was recognized during the Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam Inclusive Excellence and Expansion Impact Award Gala on Friday, April 12 during this year’s Black Alumni Reunion. 

Visit the UK Alumni Blog for more information.

UK College of Social Work

At the Forefront of Social Change: Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu Shines in UK’s UNITE Research Initiative  

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8th,  2024) — The University of Kentucky’s United In True Equity Research Priority Area (UNITE RPA) proudly introduced this academic year’s cohort of 21 graduate students into the UNITE Predoctoral Research Enhancement Program across campus. This included standout scholar Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu from the College of Social Work (CoSW) who was re-selected as a fellow after being part of the inaugural cohort.  

Under the leadership of Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., and with support from key university offices, the program was established to foster equity and expansion within Ph.D. programs and to support emerging academic leaders.  

This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence and aims to develop diverse scholars equipped to tackle contemporary social issues through research. 

Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu, currently pursuing her PhD at CoSW, is brilliant example of this commitment.  

Machinga-Asaolu has a track record of extremely impressive accomplishments and merits with support of her UNITE fellowship mentor Dr. Kathryn Showalter.  

Some of her notable achievements include serving as a Board Member, a Predissertation Fellow, and the 2023 Doctoral Leadership awardee for the Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work. 

In the fall of 2023, Machinga-Asaolu received the “Toch Bearer Award” at the Lyman T. Johnson Award’s Ceremony. She also has written and presented on a variety of research articles, including contributing to Princeton University’s Fragile Families study. 

Machinga-Asaolu’s research consistently explores critical aspects of social welfare and public health, delving into intimate partner violence (IPV) issues. At the recent UNITE Research showcase, she won first place in the graduate/post-doctoral research category with a presentation titled: Behind Closed Doors: Unveiling Intimate Partner Violence Among Immigrants in the U.S. 

Machinga-Asaolu also recently presented with colleagues Stephanie Ratliff and Dr. Kathryn Showalter at the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s 7th Annual Economic Justice Summit on strategies to bolster systemic support for late-life older adult women IPV survivors. 

“As a transdisciplinary scholar, being part of UNITE RPA not only enhances my research skills but also connects me with a network of scholars across different disciplines dedicated to making societal change,” Machinga-Asaolu said. “I am excited and inspired to be a fellow for this program.” 

The UNITE RPA not only offers a stipend but also funds to support research-related expenses, empowering scholars like Machinga-Asaolu to advance their research without the burden of financial constraints.  

“I look forward to providing opportunities for IPV survivors and service providers to be thoughtfully and systematically included in the research process.” Rue said. “This inclusion will foster community engagement and empowerment and deepen our understanding of prevention and intervention strategies for IPV issues.” 

This year, enhancements to the program include a professional development needs assessment spearheaded by Lauren Whitehurst, Ph.D., which helps tailor development opportunities like grant writing workshops to the fellows’ needs. 

The UNITE RPA continues to be a pivotal part of the university’s strategy to increase impactful research that fosters significant societal change. 

To learn more about UNITE RPA and Rujeko Machinga Asaolu’s research, visit the UNITE program. 

UK College of Social Work

Dr. Antonio Garcia Spearheads Innovative Research to Transform Trauma-Informed Practices in Education 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 07, 2024) — Dr. Antonio Garcia, the Buckhorn Professor of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, has been at the forefront of addressing childhood trauma through his research.  

Garcia is a former Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) fellow, and the Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Families & Children. He collaborates extensively across multiple disciplines.  

“My goal is to foster a holistic approach where educators are equipped to address the psychological impacts of trauma with the same confidence as they do academic challenges,” Garcia stated.  

This approach is reflected in Garcia’s comprehensive portfolio, which includes enhancing fatherhood engagement among Black Indigenous Latinx People of Color (BILPOC) communities and integrating evidence-based interventions for youth in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. 

Garcia recently concluded three major research projects: 

  1. “COVID-19: Preparing Schools to Address Childhood Trauma” 

In this pilot study funded by the UNITE/COSW, Garcia and co-investigator Ginny Sprang developed an online curriculum to increase trauma-informed care awareness among school personnel. Although the study found an increase in positive attitudes toward trauma-informed practices, Garcia notes that “the journey to full integration of these practices in schools is ongoing. We need more targeted training and clear referral pathways to truly meet the needs of our students.” Read more about the pilot grant here. 

  1. “Disciplinary Research-Practice Partnerships to Enhance Father’s Capacities to Promote Child Well-being” 

The Unifying Fathers to Families, Communities, and Systems (UFFCS) study is a community-based participatory initiative that originated from the desire to contend with the scarcity of culturally congruent father-centric practices and policies across child and family-serving systems. The overall objective of the UFFCS study was to rely upon input from fathers and service providers to inform the development of a father-centric model to achieve two major goals: 1) mitigate the practices and policies that sustain racial inequities in service provision among BILPOC fathers and 2) enhance fathers’ capacity to engage in healthy co-equal parenting. Read more about it here. 

  1. “Public Library Virtual Storytimes: Meeting School Readiness and Community Needs through a Socially Distant Approach.” 

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, public libraries shifted their vital story time programs online to continue supporting young children’s educational needs, particularly in areas of early literacy and school readiness. The exploratory research project aims to assess and inform the efficacy of these virtual story time (VST) programs. By engaging diverse public libraries across the U.S., the study developed evidence-based guidelines to enhance the delivery and accessibility of VST programs, ensuring they meet the needs of all children, including those from underserved communities. Read more about it here. 

By bridging academic research with practical implementation, Garcia’s work not only advances scholarly discourse but also promises real-world applications that could transform educational settings nationally. His leadership in cross-disciplinary research continues to inspire policies and practices that support the well-being of all children. 

Homes submerged in water during EKY floods

Faculty uses classroom to expand flood recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky (May 6th, 2024) – In an educational endeavor that merges scholarly research with pragmatic crisis management, Drs. Natalie Pope and Diane Loeffler have harnessed recovery efforts in the aftermath of the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods into a transformative learning experience at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW).

Loeffler and Pope are currently working on the following study, “Exploring the Experiences of Providing Services to Communities Affected by Natural Disaster.” This qualitative project is focused on learning from leaders within the non-profit and volunteer sector – looking specifically at how these service providers and their respective organizations have worked within affected Kentucky communities on flood relief efforts.

The 2022 flood in Eastern Kentucky was a catastrophic event that damaged/destroyed over 9,000 homes across several counties in Appalachian Kentucky. “Our work seeks to understand how leaders responded and how organizations have shifted to prioritize flood recovery related work,” Loeffler shared.

This study ventures beyond the statistics, uncovering the strategies and sacrifices of service providers at the forefront of flood relief operations. Its findings are anticipated to distill the core themes and valuable insights that emerge from the leaders’ responses and organizational adaptation to disaster relief.

What distinguishes this project is its immersive design. Dr. Pope embedded the study into her doctoral level Intro to Qualitative Research course, effectively enlisting her nine students (Ph.D. students from across campus) as co-investigators.

“This is not just about teaching research methods; it’s about applying them in real-time, community-based way,” said Dr. Pope. “This initiative has allowed students to contribute to the study conceptualization, conduct qualitative interviews, and contribute to preliminary data analysis, providing a rare experiential learning opportunity.”

The project is further enhanced by an artistic touch – each student created a ‘found poem’ from their interview transcripts. “The found poems are a powerful way to present our findings. They bring the experiences of these community leaders to life, providing emotive insights into the challenges they faced during the floods,” Dr. Pope explained.

“What we’re creating here is a mosaic of resilience and adaptation,” said Loeffler. “Our students are learning that research is not just about numbers and data; it’s about stories, emotions, and the human spirit overcoming adversity.”

This unique approach underscores the college’s dedication to providing an education that extends far beyond the confines of a classroom, emphasizing the real-world application of academic expertise to support local communities in need.

UK College of Social Work

S.C.O.T.T foundation president and CEO graduates with Doctorate of Social Work

Lexington, KY (May 1st, 2024)— La’Shardae Scott, a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) student from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), will walk across the University’s stage this week to receive her diploma. Beyond her academic achievements, Scott has transformed her personal challenges into a vigorous advocacy for sickle cell disease (SCD) awareness. 

Earlier this year, Scott was invited to speak at the White House during the Rare Disease Forum on the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD). 

“Sickle cell disease isn’t just a medical condition; it’s a social issue that reflects deeper inequalities in our healthcare system and society.” Scott shared her personal experience and her doctoral research at the Forum. “My journey, both as a mother and a social work professional, has shown me the urgent need for advocacy and inclusive policies for those living with SCD.” 

Formerly a secondary education teaching student, Scott is now the president and CEO of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition (S.C.O.T.T.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting families and individuals with SCD in transitioning from pediatric to adult care. After receiving a diagnosis that both of her children has SCD, she faced first-hand the challenges and stigma associated with treatment, pain management, and general education.

The S.C.O.T.T. foundation is dedicated to minimizing infant mortality in communities of color through education and advocacy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, SCD affects millions globally, characterized by abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells that impede blood flow, causing painful, unpredictable episodes and complications that can vary in severity and require hospitalization. It occurs in approximately one out of every 365 Black or African American births, with one in 13 born with a sickle cell trait. 

“When we speak about statistics and numbers across the board, we know that there is a lot of systematic racism when it comes to the SCD population,” Scott shared in D.C. “There is a lot of work to be done reducing health disparities. Something we need to take into consideration when caring for individuals who are afflicted with sickle cell is the stigma associated with it and the need for pain management”.   

Social workers play a critical role in bridging the gap between medical conditions and societal wellbeing; advocating for inclusive policies and understanding the barriers that specific populations might face. Scott’s research in the DSW program has been published in the Journal on Sickle Cell Disease will become available on June 7th, 2024.  

“The primary focus of this conceptual paper will be to highlight the importance of integrating ecological theory, system theory, and empowerment theory into the roles and duties of social workers in positions of leadership and administration” Scott said. “The intent of this integration is to aid individuals with sickle cell disease throughout their healthcare and daily life transitions.” 

“Although this road has been a difficult journey for myself and my family,” Scott shared, “I am grateful for DSW program at UK that gives me tools for both research and advocacy. I believe in that social work and advocacy are essential to effectively helping SCD thrive.”  

In June 2024, Scott will be presenting her published research, “Transition of Sickle Cell Disease Patients: An Expansive Conceptualization Framework” at the 18th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Research & Educational Symposium.  

Scott has been featured in Rare Revolution Magazine, Voyage Ohio Magazine, the American Red Cross, The Sojourner’s Truth, and Toledo’s 20 under 40, among others. She was recently awarded as Advocate of the Year by Sickle Cell 101, a web-based educational platform and nonprofit and awarded the 2024 Hero/Shero of Health Awards from the Ohio Commission of Minority Health. 

Through her advocacy, research, and leadership, Scott has not only shed light on the complexities and challenges of living with SCD but has also underscored the crucial role social work plays in bridging the gap between medical care and societal well-being.  Scott’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for individual experiences to fuel meaningful change and advance the conversation around rare diseases and health equity. 

UK College of Social Work

Social Work graduate Kotomi Yokokura leaves lasting impact on UKs campus 

Lexington, KY (April 24, 2024) – As Kotomi Yokokura prepares to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service and advocacy.  

Yokokura’s journey of impact began early in her college career when she founded the “Take a Tampon” initiative. This drive aimed to alleviate period poverty on campus and beyond, reflecting her dedication to addressing often-overlooked needs that affect mental, physical, and academic well-being.  

“As a social work major, I’ve used negative community reactions not as setbacks, but as motivators to intensify my efforts,” she explained. “These challenges push me to demonstrate the significant impact of social work and to enter fields like policy research where social work is typically underrepresented. My goal is to continue to dismantle the prevalent misconceptions and highlight the universal benefits that social work can bring to all areas.” 

Yokokura’s advocacy efforts have not been limited to the University of Kentucky’s campus; she has expanded the “Take a Tampon” initiative into a 501(c)(3) organization to serve middle and high schools, as well as homeless shelters throughout Kentucky. Her commitment to community service also includes impactful research on key societal issues. 

She has become a prominent champion of sexual assault awareness and prevention, motivated by her deep commitment and bravery. Yokokura’s compelling testimony helped pass Kentucky House Bill 288 through the General Assembly in 2023. This legislation strengthens legal protections for sexual assault survivors and showcases Kotomi’s commitment to the broad impact of social work. 

Yokokura shared her broader perspective on her advocacy work, noting, “Interestingly, while many of my advocacy efforts often directly affect women, I hadn’t set out to target women’s issues or rights. Instead, my passion for proactively working to achieve change stems from the stigmas often associated with these experiences. I understand societal stigmas can lead topics to be overlooked—increasing the need for leaders and action.” 

Along with her impressive advocacy work, Yokokura has had equally significant experiences in academic research opportunities at the University. 

She assisted with research on the migration of those experiencing homelessness in relation to community services available alongside Andrew Sullivan, Ph.D., (a graduate of the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration) and completed a study on the perceptions and utilization of social support among men experiencing homelessness alongside Natalie Pope, Ph.D., (CoSW).” This study was recently published in the Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness. 

Yokokura has another published article in “Cityscape“, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Journal on Policy and Developmental Research. Additionally, she contributed to a survey research project through the UK Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment that explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted college students’ psychosocial health, formal and informal support utilization, employment, food insecurity, and social behaviors, which was published by the Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs.  

Kotomi is also part of the Chellgren Student Fellowship program at UK and the Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Leadership Honor Society. Recently, Kotomi received the Maurice A. Clay award for an Outstanding Graduate Senior in ODK. 

“The faculty I have had the pleasure of working with have gone out of their way to empower my pursuits in the field of research, nonprofit work and advocacy.” Kotomi shared. “Without these individuals, I would not be where I am today.” 

As she reflects on her time at the university, Yokokura’s story is not just one of personal achievement but a call to action for all students to realize that regardless of their field of study, their voices and efforts can indeed make a significant difference.  

“I’m really looking forward to this next step in my life,” Yokokura said about heading into the next phase of her academic journey. “The environment at UK has not only nurtured my academic growth but has also been a crucible for my development as a leader committed to service and change. It has been an honor to work alongside the amazing students, faculty, and staff at UK and I hope to continue to collaborate with my community to create a lasting impact.” 

As Yokokura walks across the commencement stage, the effects of her work will undoubtedly continue to resonate, inspiring current and future students to also lead with compassion and an unwavering commitment to service. 

UK College of Social Work

“I’m doing this for both of us.” UK grad earns Social Work degree, honoring veteran husband

LEXINGTON, KY (April 18, 2024) – At the University of Kentucky, Tracy Garrett’s return to college is a narrative of transformation. At 54, Garrett is not the traditional student one might expect to see in a Bachelor of Social Work program. Her journey is unique, her resolve unshakable, and her story interlaced with moments of deep personal change.

“I’ve bled blue since I knew what that meant,” Garrett said with a sense of nostalgia and determination. “It’s always been my dream to have a degree from UK. At one time, I thought that was completely out of reach for me, but now I see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Garrett’s first stint at UK began in 1988, a year that would set the stage for her lifelong connection with the university. As a sophomore, she stepped into the rhythm of the marching band and alongside, found her life’s partner. Yet, with the unexpected twist of early pregnancy, her educational aspirations were put on pause.

Years rolled on, filled with family life and a move prompted by her husband’s Navy career.

“We always said this was the best thing that ever happened to our family” she recalls on these transformative years. “My husband was really proud to serve… and it opened so many doors for us.”

In 2018, Garrett found her way back to Kentucky, and with her family, embraced the role of foster parents, living their belief that love could build bridges to healing for children in need of a home.

“We always said we were a house full of love,” Garrett said. “That was our family motto.”

Then, as the pandemic closed doors, it simultaneously opened a new one for Garrett. Her husband’s encouragement was the nudge she needed. “He simply said, ‘You’re going back to school,’ and somehow, that made perfect sense,” she recalls.

Garrett describes her decision to re-enroll at UK as “the decision that changed my life.” It wasn’t just a return to academia; it was a reaffirmation of dreams and the love that had carried her through the years, and a community of support.

Tragedy struck in December 2023, when Garrett faced the loss of her husband. The impact was devastating.

“In a single moment, my world turned upside down,” she shares with a mix of pain and strength. “I lost my husband and I knew I couldn’t continue to foster.”

The subsequent decision to close her home to foster care was one of the most difficult she’s ever made, but it was essential for her well-being. Through the midst of her sorrow, Garrett’s commitment to her social work studies never wavered, bolstered by the support of her cohort at the College of Social Work.

Tracy's niece wearing Purple and Yellow ribbons for her uncle

“My cohort immediately had my back with everything I needed. This semester has been chaos – I see the finish line, I’m almost at the end, I feel bittersweet, and I know my husband’s watching me from above and he’s still cheering me on,” said Garrett.

Looking ahead, Garrett envisions a new beginning as a social worker dedicated to veterans. “Serving those who’ve served us is how I’ll honor his memory,” Garrett articulates. “My husband’s pride in his Navy service is my inspiration.”

With her impending graduation, Garrett not only honors her past but also paves the way for her future. Her advice to others contemplating a return to education is unequivocal: “Take the step. Education is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.”

As Tracy Garrett stands at the threshold of graduation, her story at UK concludes one chapter and commences another. Hers is a narrative of life’s unexpected paths, of persisting through adversity, and the power of education to ignite hope anew. It is a poignant reminder that it is never too late to embrace change and leave a lasting impact.

Tracy Garrett’s story at UK is one of heart, of resilience, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

UK College of Social Work

2024 Sullivan Award winners lead with compassion, service to others

This story was originally published by Hilary Brown, Hayden Gooding, and Lindsey Piercy in UK Now.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2024) — Two University of Kentucky students and one local citizen have received UK’s highest honor for humanitarian efforts — the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

Established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 and named for its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan, the award recognizes those “who exhibit Sullivan’s ideals of heart, mind and conduct as evince a spirit of love for and helpfulness to other men and women.” After the society closed, the award has lived on through the Sullivan Foundation and is given at several universities in the South.

At UK, the Sullivan Award is bestowed each year on two graduating seniors and one citizen who has a connection to the university. This year’s Sullivan award student winners are Emmanuel Dhemby Moussabou and Kotomi Yokokura. Alexandra “Alex” Simpson, who passed away in 2022, is the citizen award recipient.

Kotomi Yokokura

Kotomi Yokokura, of Northern Kentucky, will graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Social Work (CoSW).

While Yokokura, also a Lewis Honors College student, has academically excelled throughout her time at UK, her true passion is advocacy.

During her freshman year, Yokokura founded the “Take a Tampon” initiative — hosting a donation drive to ensure ample supply of hygiene products across campus. After much research, she realized how prevalent period poverty is and how detrimental it can be to not only one’s mental and physical health, but their academic success.

Yokokura also sought collaborative partnerships with other institutions, including the University of Louisville, to address this issue on higher education campuses, in low-income middle and high schools, and at homeless shelters across the state. Additionally, she met with State Sen. Harper Angel, the sponsor of a bill providing menstrual products in schools and created research documents to contribute to the cause.

Yokokura’s work in the community also includes two other important societal issues.

Yokokura has assisted with research on the migration of those experiencing homelessness in relation to community services available with Andrew Sullivan, Ph.D., (a graduate of the UK Martin School of Public Policy and Administration). She also completed a study on the perceptions and utilization of social support among men experiencing homelessness with Natalie Pope, Ph.D. (CoSW).

Yokokura has a published peer-reviewed journal article on homelessness in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “Cityscape.”

Additionally, she contributed to a survey research project through the UK Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment that explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted college students’ psychosocial health, formal and informal support utilization, employment, food insecurity, and social behaviors, which was published by the Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs. She is also part of the Chellgren Student Fellowship program at UK.

Despite her many community service endeavors, when asked, Yokokura said she’s most proud of her awareness and prevention work surrounding sexual assault. Her efforts consisted of researching the prevalence of these experiences and testifying about her own experience in support of HB 288.

“No matter who you are or what you are studying, your voice and efforts can be impactful. The people at the University of Kentucky have been instrumental in both my academic and advocacy efforts — going out of their way to help a student they may not have known,” she said. “The faculty I have had the pleasure of working with have gone out of their way to empower my pursuits in the field of research, nonprofit work and advocacy. Without these individuals, I would not be where I am today.”

Emmanuel Dhemby Moussabou

Emmanuel Dhemby Moussabou will graduate from the Clinical Leadership and Management program in the College of Health Sciences this May.

Dhemby Moussabou was born in Tchibanga, Gabon, a small town on the west coast of Africa. From a young age, his goal in life has been to help others. Even if it is in a small way, Dhemby Moussabou has worked to provide relief when possible and encourage anyone who may be disheartened.

At UK, Dhemby Moussabou is recognized for his experiences in community involvement, campus engagement, academic success and professionalism. He demonstrates intuitive leadership skills driven by his passion for faith and serving others.

“Much of this stems from an ardent desire to better the lives of those I encounter, which primarily includes my community and the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Dhemby Moussabou said.

In addition to his academic success, Dhemby Moussabou serves as a Presidential Student Ambassador and College of Health Sciences Student Ambassador. Upon graduation, he will serve as a UK Alumni Ambassador. He is also actively involved in YWCA Black Achievers program and has provided support and leadership for the BCTC A Few Good Men Initiative.

Dhemby Moussabou is proactive and always finds ways to help his peers, patients, families and communities. He is constantly demonstrating excellence of character and humanitarian service. He has overseen soccer camps for children, helped young students with reading and served members at his church through worship and Sunday school.

As part of his undergraduate studies in the College of Health Sciences, Dhemby Moussabou is completing his advanced professional practicum experience working with CHI St. Joseph Health’s leadership team. He spends his time learning and working on advocacy and finance projects while demonstrating high levels of leadership. He has received outstanding assessments of his skills, engagement and commitment to quality health care.

“It makes me so happy to know that the people around me notice the work I do to try to help others,” Dhemby Moussabou said. “I feel extremely honored to have even been considered for this award.”

Alexandra Simpson

Alexandra “Alex” Simpson of Lexington is remembered as a bright, compassionate young woman who used every moment of her short life to advocate for children with cancer.

Growing up immersed in the arts, Simpson understood the importance of creative expression and the healing capabilities of art, especially for children. She was a talented singer, actor and dancer; she found her home on the stage, appearing in 22 stage productions. Throughout her recurring battle with a rare form of Ewing’s sarcoma, Simpson raised funds for her fellow patients, supporting art and music therapy at Kentucky Children’s Hosptial (KCH). According to her mother, Simpson found the arts healing throughout her cancer journey. She knew if she could get patients and families out of their rooms for painting, singing, knitting and watching others perform, it would lift their spirits.

She became an advocate for other children in the hospital to experience a life enriched by the arts, leading to the establishment of the Simpson Family Theater. The theater is a space for children at KCH to participate in art projects, theater productions, storytelling, holiday parties, music and more. This opportunity for creative expression offers a much-needed reprieve for patients. Wanting to make sure all patients had the chance to find healing through art, Simpson also founded her own music therapy fund to ensure that KCH patients had the option to receive music therapy during their inpatient stays.

Simpson graduated from Dartmouth cum laude in 2022 during her third battle with cancer. She majored in French and psychology and had plans to attend law school. She found her calling in supporting children with cancer, and intended to use her law degree to be an advocate for pediatric patients and health care providers.

Simpson’s cancer was rare, and she believed researching her cancer would save lives. She gave her tumor to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for research and established the Alexandra Simpson Pediatric Oncology Research Fund to help educate doctors and researchers and to give children like herself a chance against rare forms of cancer. She encouraged genetic mapping of her tumors to help other sarcoma patients. She also worked as a research assistant in the lab of her oncologist, John D’Orazio, M.D.

Simpson passed away at age 22, having faced cancer three times with grace and courage. Her generous spirit lives on, touching the lives of not just KCH patients, but children at Central Christian Church, Lexington Theater Company, The Lexington School, Lexington Children’s Theater, Dartmouth University’s French program and Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates through endowed funds established in her memory.

Drawing inspiration from A.A. Milne’s Eeyore who said “weeds are flowers too,” Simpson’s mother, Melanie, stated in a reflective statement that her daughter spent her short life turning the weed of cancer into a bouquet of beautiful and stunning “flowers” for many people and organizations.

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.

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