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UK College of Social Work

UK Social Work Alumni-Student Mentor Program Makes Lasting Impact, Builds Bridges 

Lexington, KY – The College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) at the University of Kentucky has taken a significant step to strengthen the bond between its current students and alumni. Following the success of its inaugural SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program in Spring 2023, the association is thrilled to continue and expand this initiative into Spring 2024. 

The SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program, active from January to May 2024, is part of the college’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of social workers. By matching current students with accomplished alumni, the program fosters purposeful one-on-one relationships that are pivotal in shaping the students’ academic and professional trajectories in social work.  

In 2024, the program features active participation from 52 pairs, with nearly one-third of the alumni mentors having also participated in Spring 2024.  This broad scope of mentorship spans 29 states and two countries. 

One of the most notable aspects of the program is its accessibility and inclusivity. Participation is entirely free and can occur in a fully virtual format, ensuring that no student misses out on this valuable opportunity. This program is not just a platform for networking; it’s a nurturing ground for mentorship, guidance, and the sharing of invaluable experiences and insights. 

The feedback from the program’s participants speaks volumes about its impact. Jasmine Cohen-Young, a mentee from the Spring 2023 cohort, shared, “Engaging in the Wildcat Network not only allowed me to gain a lifetime mentor, but has helped me in my academic endeavors too! The process was seamless and allowed for a professional relationship to develop.” Another mentee shared, “Without my mentor’s guidance and UK’s support, I don’t think I would have made it this far in the MSW program, especially as a first-generation college student.” 

On the flip side, mentors are having equally rewarding experiences. Gerald “Jerry” Carter, an alumni mentor from Spring 2023, remarked, “My student mentee is an amazing person and an even better social worker. I can’t wait to see what she will accomplish as her career unfolds.”

As the SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program continues into its second year, it holds the promise of not only continuing the legacy of the previous year but also of expanding its reach and impact. It stands as a beacon of support, guidance, and inspiration for both aspiring and established social workers, embodying the spirit of collaboration and continuous learning that is at the heart of the social work profession.

UK College of Social Work

Social Work Student to Lead Discussion on Black Women’s Grief at the 2024 Sister Circle Forum 

Uriah Carter, a distinguished doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work, is scheduled as a session speaker at the 2024 Sister Circle Forum, which will be held on February 22nd at the Gatton Student Center in the University of Kentucky. 

The forum is an initiative of the Office for Institutional Diversity’s Martin Luther King Center and the Community and Professional Development Programs within the Office for Student Success. Jasmine Prince, associate director of the MLK Center shared that the forum is a “space to equip women in our campus community to reflect on their current state and capacity of their mental health, to explore how to use their individual and collective voices for change as leaders and to affirm their permission to continue to dream big and ambitious dreams.”  

The forum, while open to all, strategically features speakers and topics that resonate with the specific challenges and experiences of women of color throughout the Commonwealth. For Carter, the forum is the perfect platform to present and discuss her research, which primarily focuses on the equitable support and advocacy of Black women – a critical and under-explored issue. 

In her presentation “Casket Sharp: The Grieving Process for Black Women,” Carter advocates for women to actively engage in understanding grief management and trauma-informed care, and to seek and embrace supportive networks. She emphasizes the importance of this engagement, stating, “It is vital that we address the often-silent struggle of grief in Black women. My aim is to shed light on this issue and offer pathways for healing and empowerment through community and informed care.” 

Carter, who currently serves as the Associate Director of Council and Organization Development at the University of Kentucky Fraternity & Sorority Life, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2016) and a Master of Social Work (2019) from the University of Kentucky. She is anticipated to complete her Doctor of Social Work program in May of this year. 

Her extensive experience in higher education encompasses roles in residence life, fraternity and sorority life, and healthcare. Reflecting on her doctoral journey, Ms. Carter describes it as an “enriching experience characterized by learning, introspection, and building a strong sense of community with her peers.” 

For those interested in attending the 2024 Sister Circle Forum, registration details are available online. Queries regarding the event can be directed to Ruth Gonzalez Jimenez at ruth.gonzalez@uky.edu. 

Learn more about the academics, research, and programs that make up the CoSW here. 

UK College of Social Work

Living King’s Legacy: Social Work members awarded during 2024 ceremony 

LEXINGTON, KY – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) proudly announces that two of its esteemed members, doctoral student Rujeko “Rue” Machinga-Asaolu and Assistant Professor Laneshia Conner, were honored at this year’s Living Legacy Awards, hosted by the UK Martin Luther King Center. 

Machinga-Asaolu, a doctoral international student at CoSW, was presented with the Leadership Legacy Award for graduate students. This award, which celebrates the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s thoughtful leadership and vision, recognizes Machinga-Asaolu’s exceptional community leadership, innovative advocacy, and her impactful efforts in driving social change. 

“Receiving this award is not just an honor; it’s a reminder that we have the power to shape a future rooted in equity wherever we are. It affirms that regardless of our origins, we can contribute to a legacy of effective leadership, unity, justice, and positive social change,” Machinga-Asaolu said. “The work we do in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy is vital and inspires me to continue striving for social justice in our communities.”  

Earlier this fall, Machinga-Asaolu was also recognized with the prestigious Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award. 

Dr. Conner was honored with the Catalyst Award, a recognition given to faculty or staff members who actively engage in addressing injustice and inequality in the spirit of Dr. King. Conner’s dedication to student support, her engagement in addressing systemic inequalities and racial equity, and her role as a champion for an inclusive campus environment embody the core values of this award.  

Recently, Conner was also acknowledged for her exceptional research achievements by the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). Her scholarly article, “Black Experiences Matter: Reflections on Black Faculty Interactions with Black Administrators,” was featured in the Journal of Social Work Education in 2022. 

“This award is a reflection s of a commitment from the university to Dr. King’s vision of a just society and building community. It’s a privilege to be a part of the ongoing journey to increase knowledge and address challenges that align with the work of Dr. King through my research and  scholarship, aiming to build a more inclusive and equitable world,” remarked Dr. Conner. 

The MLK Center, a cornerstone of the University of Kentucky, is dedicated to empowering students through academic, civic leadership, and cultural exchange opportunities rooted in Dr. King’s philosophy. The Center’s commitment to cultural awareness, leadership development, and fostering community aligns closely with the achievements and values demonstrated by both award recipients. 

The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is to advance and apply knowledge about social problems and social work practice, promote human well-being, and foster social and economic justice. Both Machinga-Asaolu and Conner exemplify this mission through their transformative leadership, advocacy for equity, and dedication to social change. Their achievements and ongoing work not only embody the values of the College but significantly contribute to actualizing its mission of fostering a more just and equitable society. 

For more information about the Living Legacy Awards or the MLK Center at the University of Kentucky, please visit https://mlkc.uky.edu/our-services.

UK College of Social Work

UK Social Work to hire a Chief Well-Being Officer

For 85 years, the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky has been steadfastly committed to improving the wellbeing of people.

Now, that commitment has taken on a new form. 

Last Fall, Dean Jay Miller announced plans to hire a Chief Well-Being Officer (CWO). This role, which is unique to CoSW, was designed to cultivate a healthy, productive, and supported workplace for faculty and staff.

“This new position will be instrumental for supporting faculty and staff in navigating an ever-changing academic workspace,” said Sheila Barnhart, associate professor and chairperson for CoSW’s Wellness Committee. “This effort by the Dean’s office not only aligns with the College of Social Work’s Forward, Together Plan, but is consistent with the University’s UK-PURPOSE Plan.”  

The focus on developing and supporting faculty and staff is a seminal theme for CoSW. In 2021, Dean Miller initiated an ambitious administrative agenda focused on conceptualizing several workplace initiatives. These efforts, which were captured in CoSW’s Forward, Together: Strategic Priorities Plan, included the Investment in Ingenuity and Initiative (I3) Program and the BRIGHT Administrative Leadership Initiative, among others.  

The CWO will oversee the conceptualization, creation, and maintenance of an overall wellness culture that promotes advocacy, openness, and support. In addition, the CWO will oversee an array support initiatives for social work field clinical and practica supervisors. This role will report directly to the Office of the Dean.

“As we all know, working in academe can be challenging. Research suggests that university faculty and staff, in general, may experience high levels of stress and occupational burnout,” explained Miller. “That said, we want strive to make CoSW an ideal place to be employed, educated, and engaged. The CWO position is one way we continue to actualize those goals.”

Social Work Program Director Pioneers Trauma-Responsive Practices at the University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) now offers a graduate certificate designed to meet the call for additional, specialized training in trauma-informed care from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Trauma Responsive Practice Certificate was designed by Dr. Amanda Brown, a clinical faculty member and MSW program director at CoSW. Brown shaped the curriculum to harmonize traditional and somatic treatment approaches, offering students the latest research in neuroscience, evidence-based practice, experiential models, epigenetics, and more.

A primary objective of the certificate is to teach students a shift in approach: moving away from a pathologizing “what’s wrong with you” perspective to a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that seeks to understand an individual’s life experiences with the question, “help me understand what has happened in your life”. Brown shared that “As educators in social work, we should consider trauma-informed best practices as the gold standard in social work practice and therapeutic settings.”

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 70 percent of adults in the U.S have experience some type of traumatic event at least once in their life. In public behavioral health, over 90 percent of clients have experienced trauma. SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative states trauma is a risk factor for nearly all behavioral health and substance use disorders. But getting access to the needed treatment can be challenging.

In response to the critical need for trauma-informed specialists, the Trauma Responsive Practice Certificate program at the University of Kentucky is strategically positioned to meet pressing workforce demands. Offered 100 percent online, graduates of this certificate program not only gain tangible practice skills but also become champions of a compassionate and empathetic approach to trauma-informed care, helping to fill a crucial gap in the behavioral health workforce and advance the human condition always, in all ways.

For more information, visit ukcosw.com/msw-certificates or contact coswrecruitment@uky.edu.

About Dr. Amanda Brown

A first-generation college student, Brown initially aspired to a career in childhood mental health. However, her trajectory shifted when she took on a part-time research assistant role while pursuing her MSSW. For three years, Brown spent up to 20 hours per week interviewing over 400 justice-involved women, revealing the profound impact of trauma within this largely underserved community. For the first five years of Brown’s doctorate and post doctorate work in research, she was aiding and examining intervention methods to mitigate harm and reduce recidivism among justice involved women.

Brown shared that she felt an ‘ethical responsibility to this underserved population of women’ as both a social worker and a citizen of the world. She added, “Typically, women take on the care-taker role, which means the impact of being sanctioned reaches a wider scope, affecting not only these women themselves but also their children and families, perpetuating cycles of hardship that demand our attention and intervention.”

Dr. Brown’s vision, research and unwavering commitment leaves an indelible mark at the intersection of social work and criminal justice. Her leadership equips future social workers with the competence and insight needed to confront intricate societal challenges, promoting a more empathetic and effective approach to trauma-informed care.

UK College of Social Work

Bardstown Police Chief hires UK Social Work Student and her therapy dog on Police Force

Lexington, KY – Across the Commonwealth, Law Enforcement agencies are hiring social workers as pivotal additions to traditional community policing that aid in addressing individuals experiencing crises associated with addiction, mental illness, abuse, housing insecurities, and related challenges.

Bardstown Police Chief Kim Kraeszig recently joined the initiatives of Kentucky Police Forces across the state including Louisville, Nicholasville, Alexandria, Erlanger, Lexington, and Hazard among others, who are advancing the vital partnership between law enforcement and social services by hiring UK graduate and MSW student, Olivia Raley.

As the first social worker on the force, Raley is utilizing her extensive education to help the force ensure that people in crisis receive immediate support and connection to essential resources. For Raley, this is a dream realized. “I thought the only opportunity for me in the criminal justice space would be the FBI or maybe an attorney in treatment courts,” Raley shared that she’s “happy to be working with such a compassionate and forward-thinking team” at the Bardstown Police Department.

Aiding in Raley’s mission is Maverick, her therapy Husky, who has become an integral part of the department’s support system. Maverick’s calming presence and ability to sense stress and trauma exemplify the healing power of animal-assisted therapy. Raley says Maverick will sit in with victims during high stress interviews, providing peace and emotional support.

With her position, Raley and Chief Kraeszig have created intervention methods that prioritize treatment and access to available community resources over immediate incarceration, already demonstrating significant results in crisis intervention and helping their county to reduce recidivism. Bardstown is on the cusp of becoming a “recovery ready” community, a movement that Raley is passionate about and actively involved in shaping.

The University of Kentucky College of Social Work is proud to have alumni like Raley, who embody the values and skills taught within our programs. Her work in Bardstown is not only changing lives but also advancing holistic approaches to the partnership between community policing and social work.

For more information about available programs at CoSW, click below:

CoSW Academic Programs
UK College of Social Work

Recognizing Excellence: Dr. Laneshia Conner’s Research Awarded

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2024) — Dr. Laneshia R. Conner, an assistant professor at the UK 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.

The SSWR selected the article for honorable mention among papers submitted for the 2024 Excellence in Research Award. The society typically selects two articles for recognition each year and awards research that “advances knowledge with direct applications to practice, policy, and the resolution of social issues.”

Recognizing the limited research on the interactions between Black faculty and Black administrators, the research explores the experiences of Black social work faculty supervised by Black administrators using mixed methods and a phenomenological approach.

Findings from 55 participants reveal more autonomy, positive interactions, and support from administrators. Some respondents noted more affective perceptions in negative experiences. The study suggests future research should include more details on administrators and the context of respondents and seek views of Black administrators on their roles. “I hope that our work inspires the academy broadly, and social work education,” Conner shared. “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.”

The authors indicated that future research should collect additional data, as well as information from Black administrators and how they view their roles working with Black faculty. “We will continue to reach out to social work programs to further development this line of inquiry and share the findings publicly” they shared.

The team will be recognized this week at the 2024 Society for Social Work and Research Jan. 10-14 in Washington, D.C. Click here for a full list of awards and recognitions.

MSW Grad and Foster Parent: A Portrait of Dedication

The balance of foster parenting responsibilities and pursuing academic endeavors is no easy feat, yet Angela Jamison has tackled both exceptionally.

Jamison is a 2023 December graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) Master of Social Work (MSW) program, with a passion for helping others, Angela has committed time, energy, and passion to social work; in multiple aspects of life. Her deep, first-hand understanding of the struggles of children in need ignited both her completion of the MSW degree from UK, and the Trauma-Responsive Practice certificate. “Having first-hand experience of understanding the struggles of children in need hasn’t just impacted my life, but quite literally changed the entire course of my life,” Jamison said.

“I was pulled toward a degree in social work with a desperate desire to better understand the tiny humans coming into my home and a passion to more deeply connect with the birth families of the children coming into care. The longer I worked within the system of foster care and adoption, a fiery passion to advocate for change within a broken system also developed and that is really when I knew I was going to pursue my MSW.”

For Jamison, pursuing a Master of Social Work from UK simply made sense. Having five children at home and the ongoing uncertainty of new foster care children joining her household at any time, the need of a program with a complete online offering was unavoidable. The College of Social Work provided that.

Juggling the demands of academic pursuits and foster parenting requires exceptional time management skills and unwavering dedication. Jamison’s commitment to social work is also recognized by the faculty of the college. Program Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Amanda Brown, said “Angela’s utilization of what she is learning in her work is extraordinary. She has taken every opportunity available to talk through situations from a trauma-responsive approach which includes compassion, empathy, and cultural humility.”

Dr. Brown continued with, “Angela is a humble and collaborative leader. She exemplifies leadership skills of building others up while also ensuring that folks feel welcome to share their own ideas and approaches. She is the example of a social work leader in the field.”

The ambition and commitment of Jamison’s purpose is an inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference in the world. She demonstrates the compassion, resilience and strong work ethic that paves the way for both remarkable achievements, academically and in the lives of others served.

Looking toward the future of the social work discipline, Jamison shared, “Someone once said to me, ‘where there is a heartbeat, there is hope.’ and it has followed me every day since. I encourage everyone – aspiring social workers and good human beings alike – to tuck that in their pockets. Everyone deserves a chance and that’s what we are signing up to do as social workers is give people a better chance at life.”

UK College of Social Work

UK Social Work Faculty Address Grand Challenges at Council’s Annual Meeting

For 85 years, University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) faculty have conducted cutting-edge research aimed at addressing society’s most challenging social conditions. The impact of that research was on full display at the 2023 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting (APM), held in Atlanta on October 26th.  

CSWE APM is the largest gathering of social work educators, researchers, and academic administrators in the United States. This year, CoSW faculty conducted more than 20 juried presentations, spanning an array of topics, including health disparities, trauma and family adversities, school bullying, child wellbeing, and pedagogical approaches for meeting the needs of online learners, among other topics.

“Having the opportunity to share and present our work at CSWE is such an honor,” explained Dr. Shelby Clark, an assistant professor in CoSW. Clark and CoSW assistant professor Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett presented their research exploring innovative ways to support foster families. Clark shared that she, “felt excited and encouraged to have other professional social work educators engage and discuss how this research impacts their work”. 

As part of the Forward, Together Strategic Framework, CoSW has made substantive investments in supporting research efforts consistent with UK’s Research Priorities Initiative. CoSW pilot initiatives to bolster support for submitting extramural proposals, expand professional development opportunity, and strategically disseminate resources that have been central to this effort. 

The positive outcomes of these endeavors are increasingly apparent.

From 2018 to 2023, CoSW’s extramural research funding has grown over 350%. From 2018 to 2022, proposal submissions increased nearly 200%. Faculty scholarship and dissemination activities – such as presentations at CSWE – have also continued to grow.

You can learn more about CSWE, and see a full list of CoSW presenters, by visiting the APM website.

Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu and Elaine Wilson walking and talking

UK College of Social Work Celebrates the 2023 Lyman T. Johnson Awards Recipients 

The 32nd Annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, which took place on October 13, 2023, marked a significant event celebrating academic excellence, diversity, and the legacy of Lyman T. Johnson. The ceremony brought together educators, leaders, colleges across UK’s campus and distinguished guests to honor outstanding individuals and scholarships that continue to empower and inspire the next generation. Shelli Freeland Eddie, a notable legal professional and UK alumna, was the luncheon’s keynote speaker. She has a strong dedication to community service and leadership, including breaking barriers as the first Black representative outside Sarasota’s predominantly Black community on the City Commission. She is known for her efforts to increase awareness about Hurricane Irma’s impact on a local Sarasota Black neighborhood and continues to actively mentor students within the Booker High School Law Academy. 

About Lyman T. Johnson 

Lyman T. Johnson, the namesake of the event, was a trailblazer who challenged the status quo and, in doing so, paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse education system. His determination was deeply rooted in his family’s legacy; his grandfather had the audacity to purchase his own freedom from slavery, and his father served as a school principal, instilling in him a commitment to educational excellence. In a landmark court case in 1949, Lyman T. Johnson challenged the discriminatory practices that had prevented African American students from attending the University of Kentucky. Thanks to his tenacity, that summer, nearly 30 African American students enrolled in graduate and professional programs at UK. Although Johnson did not complete his graduate studies there, the University awarded him an honorary degree in 1979. 

Throughout his career as a teacher at Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, spanning thirty-three years, Johnson became a vocal advocate for eliminating discrimination and addressing issues affecting minority communities. He fought tirelessly to end unequal pay for black teachers and served as an assistant principal and school board member for Jefferson County Public Schools. During the civil rights movement, he played a pivotal role in the struggle to integrate Jefferson County neighborhoods, swimming pools, schools, and restaurants. Lyman T. Johnson’s legacy was that of a grassroots leader who dedicated his life to fighting for equality in educational opportunities and strongly believing in the equality of all individuals.  

The Lyman T. Johnson Scholarship 

In honor of Lyman T. Johnson’s courageous efforts to open the doors of higher education to minority students at the University of Kentucky, the Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Constituency Group established an undergraduate scholarship in his name. This scholarship supports students in their pursuit of higher education, addressing the financial obstacles that often hinder academic success.

Torch of Excellence Award: Elaine Wilson, UK College of Social Work Alumna and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Somerset Community College 

Elaine A. Wilson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Somerset Community College, has a distinguished academic background. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work and Case Western Reserve University, respectively. In May 2023, Elaine earned her Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. 

Elaine’s community involvement and leadership are highly commendable. She has held key positions in various professional and civic organizations, including the Somerset Board of Education and the University of Kentucky Alumni Association. In recognition of her dedication and service, she received the Excellence in Education Award from the Somerset/Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce in 2016 and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Acts of Service Award from the City of Somerset in 2023.

Torch Bearer Award: Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu, UK College of Social Work Ph.D. student 

Rujeko “Rue” Machinga-Asaolu, a certified social worker in Kentucky, holds a remarkable academic record. She has earned a Master of Science in Community Health Education, a Master of Science in Social Work, and a Master in Couple and Family Therapy. Rujeko is currently a Ph.D. student in Social Work at the University of Kentucky, focusing on the intersection of intimate partner violence, older adulthood, and immigration. 

Rujeko’s dedication extends beyond academics. She is a national Board Member for the Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work (AGESW) and a recipient of the Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship. 

About the Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Constituency Group 

Since its inception in 1889, the UK Alumni Association is a self-governed, nonprofit membership organization that serves the University of Kentucky and its many alumni, students, parents and friends.  

As part of the UK Alumni Association, the Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Constituency Group plays a large role in supporting, promoting, and initiating activities, program, and strategies which address the unique needs of, and foster the inclusion of, African American alumni in all aspects of university life. The group is working to increase the level of participation of African American alumni in the alumni affairs of the university, the UK Alumni Association, and its affiliated groups.