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UK College of Social Work

“I see it as a partnership.” Faculty support survivors of domestic violence through comprehensive research. 

Lexington, KY – In an era where domestic violence remains a critical and pervasive issue, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) stands out for its unwavering commitment to combatting this societal challenge.  

The first statewide report on Domestic Violence released by Team Kentucky in June 2023 underscored the alarming prevalence of this issue, with over 45% of women and 35.5% of men in the commonwealth experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetimes.  

Drs. Kathryn Showalter and Laneshia Conner, alongside doctoral candidates Stephanie Ratliff and Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu were invited to lead multiple sessions during the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) 7th Annual Economic Justice Summit. 

“We were invited to share findings on often-overlooked IPV factors, such as co-occurring substance misuse, the economic impact of domestic violence, the vulnerability of older adults, psychological abuse, and workplace violence protection orders,” said Showalter. “It was an extremely rewarding and fruitful effort after years of building positive relationships at NNEDV.”  

Dr. Kathryn Showalter, a leading researcher at UK, has secured two pilot grants from the University of Kentucky’s Center for Research on Violence Against Women (CRVAW) and the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CTTS). 

Dr. Laneshia Conner is an assistant professor at COSW, a second-year CTTS DREAM Scholar and a recipient of the University’s BIRWHC grant.  

Stephanie Ratliff, CoSW Director of Social Work Field Education and doctoral candidate, shared that she sees the role of peer-reviewed research on IPV as a collaborative tool to empower domestic violence programs and shelters. 

“Limited or inaccurate data can have a detrimental impact on services for survivors and critical funding decisions,” Ratliff explains. “Research is pivotal in bridging the gap between empirical evidence and practical application, enhancing services and guiding targeted investments. I see our research as a partnership.”  

The group’s collaborative research particularly emphasizes the economic impact wrought by IPV, including perpetrators’ financial sabotage and employment interference. This can leave survivors financially dependent and struggling to secure economic independence.  

“Abusive partners strategically sabotage their victims immediate financial security as well as their ability to maintain careers into the future” Showalter said. “These findings are especially relevant for female dominated sectors, like nursing in which their is opportunity to advance and thus opportunity to control.” 

Shelters and domestic violence programs often lack the resources to conduct peer-reviewed research, focusing their efforts on providing survivors with immediate needs like housing, food, transportation, and childcare.  

This team’s research not only addresses economic sabotage and employment interference by perpetrators but also strengthens domestic violence programs through empirical evidence crucial for securing funding. Their research focuses on empowering these programs to offer comprehensive services, including harm reduction strategies and policy changes to combat discriminatory practices, thus supporting IPV survivors’ journey towards safety and stability. 

UK College of Social Work

UK Social Work celebrates graduation of Army MSW cohort at Fort Sam Houston

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 5, 2024) — On April 12, 2024, the United States Army and the  University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) will honor 30 graduating officers during a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, acknowledging the officers’ successful completion of the Army-UK Master of Social Work (MSW) program. 

This graduating cohort is comprised of 27 Active Duty Army officers, two Air Force officers, and one Army National Guard officer. Following their graduation, these social workers will embark on post-graduate internships at facilities associated with the Army, Air Force, and Veterans Affairs. This step is part of their pathway towards achieving independent licensure as clinical social workers. 

The UK College of Social Work has offered this one-of-a-kind master’s degree in partnership with the Department of Defense since October 2016. The goal is to develop well-qualified clinical social workers to fill positions across military service branches. 

“More than two-thirds of all new active-duty Army social workers each year are educated by the Army-University of Kentucky MSW program, playing a vital role in ensuring the readiness and improving the well-being of our service members, their families, and retirees,” said Col. Teresa Murray, director of the Army-UK MSW program. “The support and collaboration from the University of Kentucky are invaluable as we work together to address the needs of the Department of Defense.”  

“As a land-grant institution, our commitment to armed forces education is codified via federal legislation,” Jay Miller, dean of the CoSW, said. “We take immense pride — and feel honored — to fulfill this obligation through our Army MSW program. The successful graduates we celebrate truly represent our commitment.” 

The full-time, 60-hour MSW degree program operates within the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston. Curriculum is delivered in a condensed format over 14 continuous months of study, and all classes are administered through the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston campus. 

For more information about the Army-UK program, please visit https://socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/. 

UK College of Social Work

Life-long Learning: CoSW Drives Child Abuse Prevention Education Forward 

Lexington, KY – This April, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) calls upon social work practitioners to join the fight against child abuse by participating in focused Continuing Education (CE) courses. 

Aligning with CoSW’s mission of education and service, the Office of Professional Development and Continuing Education (OPDCE) provides life-long learning opportunities for social workers and other helping professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills and meet state licensing requirements.  

The OPDCE provides high-quality, relevant, and evidence-based programming that enhances practitioners’ clinical and non-clinical skills.  

In alignment with Child Abuse Prevention Month, the OPDCE is highlighting crucial, evidence-based programs that aim to equip helping professionals with vital skills for child abuse prevention. 

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma 

As defined in KRS 620.020, training on the recognition and prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (aka shaken baby syndrome) is mandated for many professionals including certified and licensed social workers and nurses. This course, taught by Dr. Vicki Hensley will examine risk factors, etiology, epidemiology, and the pathophysiology of PAHT. Additionally, students will learn strategies for soothing a crying infant and working with families in various capacities as a tool for the prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma. 

Opioid Crisis and Child Welfare 

This course introduces participants to the effect of opioid use disorder on the process of parenting. This includes both instrumental parenting (provision of adequate food, clothing, shelter, and supervision) as well as relational parenting (provision for love, support, warmth, and security). It draws on both qualitative and quantitative research to provide both objective information as well as insight into the subjective self-assessment of opioid misusing parents into the quality of their own behavior as parents. 

Suicide Prevention Training: Assessment, Intervention and Management 

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that in 2021, there was an average of 1 suicide death every 11 minutes. Suicide prevention aims to reduce the occurrence of self-inflicted deaths by implementing strategies and providing support to individuals who may be at risk. 

To register for any of our CE courses or learn more about the OPDCE, you can visit our website at: https://ceu.uky.edu/continuing-education/.  

OPDCE programming is guided by regulations and protocols promulgated by the Kentucky Board of Social Work, the Kentucky Board of Psychology Examiners, the Kentucky Board of Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors, the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and the American Association of State Social Work Boards.

UK College of Social Work

Jessamine County school social worker is first Kentuckian to earn national certification

This article was originally written by FOX 56.

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — It’s National Social Work Month, and Jessamine County school leaders are recognizing the hard work of one social worker in their district. 

Lesley Gilpin is one of five school social workers who serve in counseling positions at the Providence School in Jessamine County. 

Gilpin recently earned her National Certified School Social Worker certification. So far, she’s the only person in Kentucky to achieve this and one of 30 in the entire country. 

“This was a challenge to make sure that I’m staying current and using best practices with our students,” said Gilpin. “Not just those things that feel good or might be easy to do with the student, but things that we know are evidence-based and proven to produce results.” 

Growing up in a family of educators, Gilpin said she always knew she wanted to work with children, but she couldn’t shake her passion for social work. 

That’s why she chose her career. Gilpin said that in her line of work, she gets to see her students in a different light. 

“Versus in a clinical setting where I might see them once a week, I’m able to see how they interact in the classroom, in the hallways with their peers, and also in after-school activities and things like that,” said Gilpin. 

Gilpin told FOX 56 she saw the national certification as an opportunity for growth—a way to revamp and improve mental health practices at Providence. This is something the school’s principal, Justin Yeary, is excited to witness. 

“We’re not going to be stuck in doing things the way we’ve always done them because, as things change and kids bring new issues to it, we want to be prepared to handle those and provide the services,” said Yeary. “And so, Ms. Gilpin is just a shining example of doing that and just the growth mindset that we really like here.” 

While very challenging, Gilpin said the social work field is incredibly rewarding. 

“My favorite day of the year is graduation and seeing students who maybe have heard at some point in their lives that they weren’t going to be able to attain that goal and letting them feel that and see that they were capable of doing that and also capable of so many other things,” said Gilpin. 

Gilpin said she’s forever grateful for the mentors who shaped who she is today and hopes her path will inspire others to join this journey of paying it forward to the next generation. 

A Note from the College of Social Work (CoSW) 

CoSW is immensely proud of Lesley Gilpin for her pioneering efforts and significant contributions to the field of social work. Her dedication to applying evidence-based practices enhances the support provided to students and the broader community within the commonwealth. Gilpin’s achievements and commitment to professional growth exemplify the values we hold dear at the College. 

UK College of Social Work

Doctoral Social Work Student Receives Award for Outstanding Contributions to Social Work Education, hits 10k on YouTube 

Tuscaloosa, AL – Karen Magruder, LCSW-S, an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) student at the UK College of Social Work (CoSW), was recognized during the National Conference on DSW Education and Social Work as the 2024 recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Social Work Education.  

The award celebrates what sets Magruder’s teaching apart, including innovative use of artificial intelligence, pioneering efforts to promote open education resources, leadership in Quality Matters-aligned curriculum development, and a focus on humanizing online learning.   

Conference organizer Dr. Nicole Ruggiano shared that the awards committee was impressed by Magruder’s exceptionally positive student feedback and dedication to education in social work, noting that, “she has a very student-centered approach.” 

“I’m so humbled and grateful for this recognition” Magruder shared. “This award motivates me to continue striving to engage students with meaningful connections, share my passion for social work in a fun and approachable way, and seek innovative ways to embrace technology to enhance learning.”  

The National Conference on DSW Education and Social Work is hosted by the University of Alabama and serves as a platform for prospective, current, and graduate DSW students and doctoral faculty and program directors. Magruder, an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas Arlington presented an oral presentation (Is it cheating to use ChatGPT?:  A roadmap for crafting a student-centered AI-use policy) and poster presentation (“Part of the journey and not left out”: The role of instructor engagement to promote online student success) at the conference.  

“It’s been an incredible opportunity to learn with other DSW students and the inspiring faculty at CoSW,” Magruder shared. “I’m thankful for my CoSW mentors who challenge me to elevate and share my work, and I appreciate being able – no matter the distance – to connect with fellow scholar-practitioners, thanks to wonderful opportunities like the National DSW Conference.”  

Magruder is an educator, clinical supervisor, therapist, and doctoral student. Her broad social work experience covers landscapes like mental health, environmental justice, and aging. She also manages a thriving YouTube channel producing content focused on professional development and licensure preparation for social workers and social work students.  

“What started as a simple effort to keep requested “bonus” resources accessible to my students’ post-graduation, unexpectedly went viral.” Magruder shared about her YouTube channel hitting 10,000 followers. The channel now functions as a platform to help social work scholars around the world access free and engaging materials to support their professional development. “I’m so touched by the followers who’ve gone out of their way to send messages and comments about my channel having a positive impact – it’s an honor to be part of their learning and licensing journeys.”  

UK College of Social Work

Social work students, faculty, and staff gathered at KY State Capitol for Social Work Lobby Day 

Photo credit Cassie Payne / UK College of Social Work

Frankfort, KY – University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) students, faculty, and staff converged with policymakers and activists at the State Capitol to partake in the 2024 Social Work Lobby Day event on March 5. This assembly highlighted the essential roles of social workers, educators, and scholars in shaping public policy and fostering community engagement. 

The agenda for the event encompassed committee hearings, interactions with Kentucky legislators, an address by Governor Andy Beshear, and involvement in the 60th-anniversary commemoration of the March on Frankfort, a pivotal civil rights march spearheaded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964. These diverse activities highlighted the persistent impact of social work across various domains, from shaping significant historical movements to influencing current policy debates, effectively demonstrating that social work is everywhere. 

Trenton Rose, an online Master of Social Work student, expressed that the Lobby Day significantly enhances his professional growth, particularly in understanding macro-social work and its relevance to his interest in sports social work. The sentiment reflects a broader appreciation among participants for the event’s role in expanding their advocacy skills and policy awareness.  

“I was so inspired to see other social workers speak up for what they stand for in this field and spark real change,”  Rose shared.  

Photo credit Cassie Payne / UK College of Social Work

Highlighting the day’s significance, Dr. ZaDonna Slay, Director of the BASW program, introduced Governor Beshear, opening with, “Governor Andy Beshear, since his first day in office, has been a true advocate and supporter of social workers”.  

Following Slay’s introduction, faculty member Dr. Diane Loeffler presented Gov. Beshear’s wife, Brittney, with the “Stars of Social Justice” award for her commitment to improving the lives of children across the Commonwealth.  

“Today we remember that compassion is who we are as Kentuckians: good people who care for our neighbors and believe that everyone is our neighbor – no exceptions,” Gov. Beshear shared in his address. 

CoSW Professor Jennifer Gamble brought a cohort of students from the SW 400 – Practice with Communities and Organizations class.  

“We talk about macro-social work in my class and the reality that policy touches everything we do in social work,” shared Gamble. “Lobby Day is an incredible opportunity for students to see real-time advocacy in action, meet other advocates and folks working for legislative change, and observe policy development first-hand. They get to ‘go behind the curtain’ and  see how things happen in a legislative setting.”  

The 2024 Social Work Lobby Day event not only served as a platform for commemorating significant historical milestones but also as a forum for fostering the next generation of social workers and advocates. By bridging the gap between education and practice, the event underscored the critical role of social workers in advocating for change, demonstrating the profession’s impact on shaping a more equitable and just society. Through these collective efforts, social workers continue to be pivotal in addressing societal challenges and advancing the common good. 

Research Scholars Program welcomes 4th cohort, advancing health care perspectives

This article was originally published by Lindsay Travis of UKNow.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 6, 2024) — The University of Kentucky’s Research Scholars Program (RSP) has welcomed its fourth cohort made up of six faculty whose expertise spans a broad range of research foci. The program is aimed at advancing research by promoting the success of a diverse group of faculty.

RSP was created by the Office of the Vice President for Research in 2020, with support from the Office for Faculty Advancement, the Center for Health Equity Transformation and the many units that provide support for participating faculty members. In 2024, RSP is being supported by the colleges of Medicine, Social Work, Pharmacy and Nursing.

RSP is aligned with national priorities for research diversity, including the National Institutes of Health’s goal of creating cultures of inclusive excellence by implementing well-integrated, evidence-based strategies and evaluating their impact. ​

“We eagerly welcome a fourth cohort of members to the Research Scholars Program and look forward to seeing the valuable contributions they will make, adding to this program’s success,” said Nancy Schoenberg, Ph.D., RSP co-director. “Our goal is to bring a diverse group of junior faculty to the table, nurture their talents and set them up for continued research success here at UK. This is an intensive program with a concerted focus on mentorship and we are thrilled to see that continue with this incredible cohort.”

There are three main pillars of RSP:  professional development, multilevel mentorship and networking. Those categories were determined after using survey, focus group and interview data, evidence-based programs and input from a 15-member Faculty Advisory Committee.

“The design of the Research Scholars Program was purposefully and intentionally crafted to reduce isolation and facilitate connections within the research community and across campus,” said Kevin Pearson, Ph.D., RSP co-director. “We can’t do it alone and have so many of our talented faculty to thank for their diligence and continued support of this program.”

Scholars receive extensive training in writing research grant applications through a boot camp led by Hannah Knudsen, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine.

RSP also trains junior faculty in publishing, communication and networking. They receive coaching, and mentorship from near-peers, senior investigators and sponsors, and are embedded in a supportive community of scholars. While an intensive program, the goal also includes enjoying interacting through monthly meetups, writing groups and other special events.

The faculty cohort will receive sponsorship through UK’s health-related transdisciplinary Research Priority Areas (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes & obesity, equity, neuroscience and substance use).

Programming for Cohort 4 runs from April 2024 to March 2025. You can learn more about RSP online here.

Cohort 4 faculty

  • Mautin Barry-Hundeyin, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Leveraging innate immune networks to reverse resistance to check-point based immunotherapies in pancreatic and gastric cancer.
  • Cheavar Blair, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The use of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes to study the impact of cancer drugs, inherited mutations, and altered circadian rhythms on the mechanical function of the heart. 
  • Aubrey Jones, College of Social Work, Health equity for women and families, focusing on access to mental and physical healthcare for new mothers and rural families. Improving social worker outcomes in rural communities​.
  • Erica Littlejohn, Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, Childhood maltreatment’s impact on the risk and progression of cognitive impairment and dementia across the lifespan, as well as the mechanism(s) driving its neuropathology.
  • Hend Mansoor, College of Pharmacy, Identifying factors and disparities associated with poor medication adherence and risk factor control among patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Designing targeted interventions and prediction tools to improve clinical outcomes among these high-risk individuals.
  • Jessica Thompson, College of Nursing, Guideline-directed medication therapy in heart failure, particularly looking at gender differences and systematic implementation issues. Supplemental interests include end-of-life attitudes and beliefs related to patients with a cardiac device.

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.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.  

UK College of Social Work

DSW Student Leads the Charge in Eating Disorder Education and Awareness in Kentucky 

Lexington, KY – February 28th marks the observance of National Eating Disorder Advocacy Day, a crucial date for promoting awareness and understanding of eating disorders.  

Leading educational and advocacy efforts in Kentucky is Kari Gerth, Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) student at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW). Gerth was nominated by the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council as “Champion in Prevention and Education of Eating Disorders.” 

Established by KRS 210.051 in 2020 within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council’s mandate is broad and significant. It encompasses overseeing the development of awareness programs, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, and identifying key research projects in the field. Gerth, a licensed clinical social worker, is making significant strides in establishing best practice protocols at the University and contributing to the council’s efforts.  

Kari Gerth

Gerth has worked with UK Adolescent Medicine developing eating disorder prevention and interventions including the implementation of screenings, mental health assessments and evaluations, educational packages for parents, and best practice protocols for food reintroduction methods. She shared that “having an eating disorder is still very stigmatized, which makes approval for funding and treatment challenging.” 

Gerth advocates for the implementation of standardized screening tools, such as the SCOFF and EAT-26, during routine health checks for early detection of disordered eating.  

“There’s a very positive prognosis with early intervention, especially among adolescents,” Gerth shared. “If we can provide the eating disorder screeners along with the depression and anxiety screens, we have the opportunity to catch eating concerns early and prevent them from escalating.” 

In efforts to continue to raise awareness across multiple disciplines, Gerth works with and trains students and staff at UK on early warning signs, screenings, and treatment options. Her work, advocacy and research have been pivotal in addressing the stigma that individuals face when seeking treatment, specifically in the lack of medical coverage that surrounds treatment.  

“One of the biggest misconceptions around eating disorders is that it is about food. In reality, they are complex mental health issues involving control, coping, and co-morbidities like anxiety and OCD,” said Gerth. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, Gerth recommends expressing concern, offering support, and encouraging professional help.  

“Often these types of disorders can feel isolating,” Gerth shared. “Normalizing that this is an illness that a lot of people struggle with is helpful. Knowing you are not along or the only one dealing with this illness can go a long way in accepting help.”  

For more resources and information, visit the NEDA site.  

UK Social Work’s online program certified for quality, among 1st in the country

This article was originally published by Lindsey Piercy of UKNow

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2024) — The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Kentucky has received the Quality Matters (QM) Certification mark following a rigorous review by a global organization that measures online course success of innovative digital teaching and learning environments.

The accomplishment, which took more than two years, marks a significant milestone for the College of Social Work (CoSW).

“Embarking on the certification process for the entire core curriculum demonstrates our commitment to quality online programming,” Amanda Brown, director of graduate studies, said. “This achievement not only elevates the quality of accessible remote education but ensures viable pathways to address critical workforce needs in social services.”

Quality Matters — a global leader in effective online and hybrid course design — ensures that courses are well-conceived, well-designed and well-presented.

QM review processes are recognized nationally and internationally for using standards based in research and best practices. Additionally, for courses to receive QM certification, they are required to undergo an examination by a team of external QM-certified peer reviewers.

As part of the “Forward, Together Plan,” implemented in 2021, the CoSW has launched several strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring high-quality, student-centered learning experiences across all program offerings.

The MSW includes options for an advanced program (30 credits) and a regular program (60 credits) to give experienced social workers and/or passionate newcomers the practical skills needed to be effective in the field.

The program is open to all undergraduate degrees and may be completed full time or part time, in either a hybrid or online format. MSW students also have the option to earn specialized certificates in clinical social work, child welfare, military behavioral health, rural population well-being, integrative behavioral health and substance use disorder, among others.

The MSW graduates have the highest clinical licensing pass rates in Kentucky and routinely score above the national average — making those who complete the program uniquely poised to enter a competitive job market. And in so doing, students will positively impact the lives of individuals, groups and communities around the world.

Over the last decade, there has been a steady rise in the demand for online education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 11 million college students took at least one online class in 2021.

“Every indication is that online programming will continue to grow. And to meet the growing demand, the CoSW continues to expand its degree and certificate offerings, which include traditional, hybrid and fully online programs,” Kalea Benner, CoSW associate dean for academic and student affairs, said. “UK, and the college, have also worked extremely hard to establish and maintain the highest quality online education possible.”

Online learning is not just a convenient option for many of today’s college students — it’s a necessary alternative to traditional classroom instruction for those who are unable to commute to campus.

For the CoSW, ensuring students can earn advanced degrees in the communities where they work and live is top priority.

“Without question, our primary goal is to ensure that everyone has access to quality education — online or otherwise,” Jay Miller, dean of the CoSW, said. “Having our online program certified for quality exemplifies our commitment to that goal and actualizes our mission to positively impact the Commonwealth and beyond.”   

More information on the CSWE-accredited online MSW program can be found here. You can also learn more about the academics, research and programs that make up the CoSW here.

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.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.  

UK College of Social Work

‘Research Made Possible’ podcast: Conner discusses HIV prevention in older Black women

Dr. Laneshia R. Conner, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, was recently acknowledged for her exceptional research achievements by the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR).

Conner was the lead author for the scholarly article “Black Experiences Matter: Reflections on Black Faculty Interactions with Black Administrators,” alongside Yarneccia Dyson from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, V. Nikki Jones from Spalding University, and Vanessa Drew Branch from Elon University. This collaborative work was featured in the Journal of Social Work Education in 2022.

“I hope that our work inspires the academy broadly, and social work education,” Conner said. “I envision this work making long-term impacts on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Black social work professionals in the academy at all levels.” 

Dr. Conner sat down with the “Research Made Possible” podcast to discuss her research and its impact.

This story was originally published in UKNow.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2024) — When Laneshia Conner was in graduate school, an instructor told her that she had great questions. From there, she says she began to find that she had more questions than answers. In this “Research Made Possible” podcast produced by Research Communications, Conner discusses her work that is centered on improving scientific knowledge about HIV prevention for older Black women.  

“This is where my interest in HIV and aging, that intersection, really began,” said Conner, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. “I had a small number of older people who were living in the community that were HIV positive, or they had been diagnosed with AIDS, but they were still living and thriving, and I was interacting with them.”  

One unforgettable interaction occurred as Conner was leaving a client’s home. She gave the older Black woman a hug as they were saying goodbye and her client responded, “People don’t touch me anymore.”  

Following that impactful moment, Conner says she targeted her research on HIV prevention for older Black women and the stigma surrounding the disease. She went on to earn her doctorate from the University of Louisville, and she joined UK in 2020.  

“We have seen HIV rates stabilize in certain groups, and that’s what we want,” said Conner. “In older, Black women, 50 and older, the numbers are going up. So, what that tells me is, after almost five decades of dealing with this disease, we’re still not asking the right questions for certain groups.”  

Conner is refining interventions for older Black women with HIV, studying their health and reproductive health history, environments, trauma, and the sociocultural effects on their lives. In 2022, Conner received funding for her research as a UK Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) Scholar. This training program is funded by the Office of Women’s Health Research and the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

In addition to her work on HIV and aging, Conner was recently recognized for her exceptional research achievements on the interactions between Black faculty and Black administrators by the Society for Social Work and Research. This study focused on the group experiences of Black faculty in higher education with Black administrators.

Listen to the podcast on SoundCloud.

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.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.