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Shawn Hunter holds recognition award and stands with mother and family friend during 2025 Annual Recognition Ceremony

‘Always the dream’: Shawn Hunter finds his path in social work at the University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For Shawn Hunter, attending the University of Kentucky was more than just a personal goal – it was “always the dream”.

After earning his GED in 2022 and starting college the same year, Hunter will graduate on Friday, May 8, 2026 Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in social work and continue directly into the College of Social Works’ Accelerated Master of Social Work program this fall.

The road to this milestone in Hunter’s life has been shaped by incredible resilience.

“I have faced many adversities in my life,” Hunter shared. “Since I was 14, I’ve been managing a chronic illness. Growing up, I was severely bullied for being sick and for my sexuality.”

Hunter learned early how quickly isolation can shape a person’s sense of self. He navigated the physical toll of chronic illness alongside emotional weight of bullying and feeling misunderstood. Later, the sudden deaths of both his brother and father altered the course of his life once again.

But those experiences sharpened his sense of empathy and his drive to help others.

“The trying times in my life helped me develop empathy toward others,” he said. “They instilled in me an unwavering passion for achieving success and helping others realize their full potential.”

As a nontraditional student, Hunter admits he initially felt intimidated entering higher education. But that uncertainty dissolved as he began to build relationships with students and faculty that strengthened his sense of self and purpose.

Hunter credits Dr. Shelita Jackson, director of the BASW program, as one of the most influential mentors in his journey.

“Her commitment to student learning and support helped me see my full potential and achieve things I didn’t think were possible,” he said.

Through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway, Hunter began taking graduate-level coursework while completing his undergraduate degree, building momentum toward a career rooted in service and advocacy.

“Social work feels like a path where I can turn what I’ve been through into something meaningful,” Hunter said.

Since arriving at UK, Hunter has earned a place on the dean’s list, maintained a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

In 2025, he was named the College of Social Work’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student — an honor he describes as deeply meaningful.

“To have my hard work recognized by a place I feel so passionate about meant everything,” he said.

Hunter is also a recipient of the Virginia Marsh Bell Scholarship, which he said affirmed both his dedication and his place within the College.

For Hunter, those moments of recognition and hard work have continued to reinforce his commitment to serving others.

That commitment took shape through his practicum work at Ashland Terrace, an independent living community for women. The experience not only strengthened his clinical skills but deepened his passion for working with aging populations and individuals navigating complex health challenges.

Hunter’s next practicum placement will be with the University of Kentucky HealthCare Psychiatry and Trauma Surgery Departments, where he will serve for two semesters as he completes his MSW along with a Clinical Social Work (CSW) certificate.

“I know what it’s like to face the challenges of a disease,” he said. “That perspective allows me to approach others with respect, compassion and a genuine desire to help.”

This fall, Hunter will continue his education in the University of Kentucky’s Master of Social Work program, building on the foundation he has already established through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway.

With a future centered on advocacy, service and supporting others through life’s difficult moments, he remains grounded in the experiences that brought him here.

“I want to help people find the support they need and promote their wellbeing,” he said.

Portrait of Johnny Nantz III, MSW class of 2026

From case management to clinical care: MSW graduate Johnny Nantz builds a path toward holistic healing 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For Johnny Nantz, the path to earning his second graduate degree wasn’t about starting—it was about going deeper. 

Already holding a master’s degree in psychology, Nantz was working as a case manager when he began to see the limits of focusing solely on individual behavior and expand his desire for a broader perspective. 

“I saw clients who needed more than psychological support,” Nantz said. “They needed someone who could help them navigate complex systems, access services and address underlying issues that were impacted their health and wellbeing.” 

With a strong foundation in mental health, Nantz chose UK’s Online Master of Social Work program to expand his clinical skills. 

“I wanted additional training that would allow me to continue working and providing therapy,” Nantz said. “The program’s flexibility gave me that opportunity, while also expanding my perspective in areas like policy, ethics, and clinical practice.”  

Nantz is also the first healthcare fellow from Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation to graduate since the partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work launched in fall 2024. Created to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand access to behavioral health care in rural communities, the partnership provides tuition support for fellows pursuing advanced social work education. Through the initiative, professionals like Nantz are able to continue serving their communities through MCHC while building the clinical skills needed to address growing behavioral health needs across Eastern Kentucky.

For Nantz, practicum was particularly impactful. It allowed him to integrate his background in psychology with his social work training, helping him begin to shape his clinical identity.  

“Practicum reinforced that I am moving in the right direction professionally,” Nantz said. “I was especially proud to apply both my psychology background and social work training to support my clients.” 

Now graduating from the program, Nantz is focused on what comes next: continuing to build his clinical experience and working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to help people create meaningful change in their lives,” he said. “Whether it’s through therapy or connecting someone to the right resources, being part of that process is what drives me.” 

DSW Scholar to present research on empathy and emotional regulation training in law enforcement

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Yolanda Massey-McCullough, MSW, a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate and lecturer at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, will present her capstone research during the College’s three-day Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars, held April 27–29, 2026.

Massey-McCullough’s work examines how incorporating empathy and emotional regulation into law enforcement training can improve decision-making, de-escalate conflicts and strengthen community trust and safety.

As policing continues to evolve, so does the need for training that builds interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills. Massey-McCullough’s research emphasizes that empathy and emotional regulation are not just innate traits, but skills that can be developed—helping officers remain calm under pressure and better understand the experiences of others.

Her capstone project explores the effectiveness of these trainings, demonstrating their potential to improve outcomes during high-stress encounters and address gaps in traditional law enforcement training.

“This work is informed by current events that continue to highlight instances where force is being use,” Massey-McCullough said. “It demonstrates how emotional regulation and empathy can de-escalate encounters that otherwise may rely on excessive force.”

While officers are often equipped with tactical skills and authority, far less emphasis is placed on the interpersonal tools needed to safely navigate high-stress interactions. This imbalance, she argues, has contributed to overreliance on force and challenges within building trust within communities.

Her findings point to a clear opportunity for change: introducing empathy and emotional regulation training early in an officer’s development—before they assume full enforcement responsibilities—may significantly reduce negative and escalated encounters.

Beyond individual interactions, the project highlights a broader systems-level solution. By integrating social workers as trainers within law enforcement agencies, departments can adopt more human-centered approaches while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.

“This work impacts individuals, families and entire communities by promoting safer interactions,” Massey-McCullough said. “It also influences systems by positioning social workers as key partners with community policing efforts.”

Through the capstone process, Massey-McCullough said her perspective on social work practice has expanded—reinforcing the role of social workers as change agents capable of positively influencing complex systems, including law enforcement.

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice to deepen her expertise and expand this work, with the goal of advancing safer, more sustainable approaches to policing.

Her message is clear:

“Real change in public safety will not come from more force, but from more humanity; when empathy becomes as essential to policing as authority, communities will no longer have to choose between safety and justice.”

Note: The perspectives presented in this research are those of the individual scholar and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Kentucky. 

Dr. Shelita Jackson Receives 2026 University of Kentucky Outstanding Teaching Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky has named Shelita Jackson, DSW, director of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program and clinical assistant professor, as a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award—one of the institution’s highest honors recognizing excellence in instruction and student mentorship.  

Jackson will be formally recognized during the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) awards ceremony on Thursday, April 30, at 1:00 p.m. in 121 Jacobs Science Building. 

This prestigious award celebrates faculty who demonstrate exceptional effectiveness in the classroom and make a lasting impact on students through mentorship, innovation and engagement. For Jackson, that impact is rooted in a deeply relational approach to teaching. 

“I’ve always believed that relationships are the foundation of change,” Jackson said. “When students feel seen, supported and challenged in the right ways, they don’t just become stronger professionals — they become stronger advocates, leaders and healers.”  

Appointed BASW Director of Undergraduate Studies in 2024, Jackson has built a reputation for fostering a relationship-centered learning environment that supports both academic and professional growth. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, including the recent launch of a Substance Use Counseling undergraduate training program. The program equips students with evidence-informed practices and expands workforce capacity to address substance use across Kentucky. 

Her mentorship has also received national recognition. Earlier this year, Jackson was honored with a Mentor Recognition Award at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Conference. Jackson also received the Lyman T. Johnson Catalyst Award during the 4th Annual Legacy Dinner and Awards hosted by the MLK Center.  

Jackson’s recognition reflects the College of Social Work’s unwavering commitment to excellence in instruction, where rigorous, relationship-centered teaching prepares students to lead meaningful change across communities, systems and professions. 

Among this year’s Outstanding Teaching Award nominees was Diane Loeffler, Ph.D., senior lecturer in the College of Social Work. Loeffler, who previously received the Outstanding Teaching Award in 2020, was recognized again for her continued excellence in teaching and her commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world impact.  

Together, these recognitions underscore the strength of the College’s faculty and their dedication to shaping the next generation of social work and criminal justice professionals. 

DSW scholar will present research on how military family separations shape child well-being during three-day virtual showcase

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Over three days, more than 300 doctoral candidates in the University of Kentucky’s online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program will present their capstone research during the 5th Annual Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars, held April 27–29, 2026. Registration is free and opens April 20. 

Among them, Rebecca Moreno will present research exploring how military family separations impact child well-being. 

Moreno’s capstone focuses on how parental separation in military families affects children—and identifies practical, evidence-informed strategies to better support their emotional and developmental needs. 

“Separations are often narrowly defined as deployment,” Moreno said. “But military families experience many forms of separation—training, demanding schedules, unaccompanied tours—and those experiences add up over time.” 

Her work is grounded in both professional and personal experience. Through her role in military mental health, Moreno has seen how frequently children navigate ongoing separations with limited structured support—an experience reflected in her own family as well. These patterns revealed a critical gap between what families face and how systems respond. 

“My project focuses on the lack of accessible, coordinated, system-level support for military children,” she said. “These aren’t isolated events—they’re ongoing experiences that affect the entire family system.” 

Moreno’s research offers a framework that can be applied across schools, health care systems and military services—strengthening caregiver-child relationships and promoting more consistent, connected care. 

At the center of her findings is a key insight: resilience is not inherent—it is built. 

“Resilience develops through stable relationships, predictable environments and coordinated systems of care,” Moreno said. 

The capstone experience has strengthened her ability to translate research into practice and lead with a trauma-informed, family-centered approach—bridging the gap between clinical work and system-level change. 

Following graduation, Moreno plans to continue advancing trauma-informed care within military behavioral health systems, with a focus on family and group-based interventions. 

“Military children are often asked to navigate complex and ongoing stressors,” she said. “While we may not be able to eliminate those challenges, we can do a much better job of supporting them—helping them adapt and thrive.” 

The Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars will feature more than 200 presentations and is open to the public, with continuing education credits available for attendees. Registration will open on April 20th. Registration information and showcase news will be shared via email. Those interested in staying informed can subscribe to the College’s email list at https://ukcosw.com/subscribe and select “DSW Showcase and News.” 

Note: The perspectives presented in this research are those of the individual scholar and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Kentucky. 

Nominate for the UK College of Social Work “People First, People Always” Awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 People First, People Always Awards — the College’s highest recognition for faculty, staff and partners whose work strengthens our community and advances our mission.

These awards honor the individuals who lead with purpose, support others and embody CoSW’s commitment to putting people first in all that we do. Recipients will be recognized during the College’s 2026 Annual Recognition Celebration.

Nominations can be made here and are open through April 15, 2026.

The CoSW community is encouraged to submit at least one nomination — a simple but meaningful way to recognize the people who make a lasting impact every day.

Recognizing excellence across our community

The People First, People Always Awards celebrate contributions across teaching, research, service and leadership. Award categories include:

  • Culture of Research Award — recognizes faculty or staff whose research activity strengthens the College’s research mission.
  • Culture of Wellbeing Award — honors those who foster a culture of wellbeing across the College community.
  • Outstanding Staff Award — celebrates staff demonstrating exceptional professional excellence and service.
  • Outstanding Teacher Award — recognizes full-time faculty who make significant contributions to teaching and learning.
  • Part-Time Instructor of the Year — honors part-time instructors who strengthen the culture of teaching.
  • Steadfast Service Award — celebrates individuals whose lived experience and dedication support individuals, families and communities.
  • Supervisor of the Year — recognizes supervisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership and support for faculty and staff.

Take a moment to recognize someone whose work reflects the very best of CoSW — because when we celebrate our people, we strengthen our entire community.

Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars

University of Kentucky College of Social Work announces 5th Annual Showcase of DSW Scholars

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) will host the 5th Annual Showcase of DSW Scholars, a virtual event highlighting innovative research and practice solutions developed by doctoral candidates in the college’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program. 

Open registration for the showcase begins April 20, with presentations taking place April 27–29. The event will be held virtually, allowing social workers, students and community professionals from across the country to participate. Those interested in staying informed about the event can subscribe to the College’s email list at https://ukcosw.com/subscribe and select “DSW Showcase and News.”

The annual showcase provides a platform for DSW candidates to present their capstone projects and applied research addressing complex issues impacting individuals, families and communities. Topics often span areas such as mental health, trauma-informed practice, healthcare access, policy innovation and leadership in social services. 

This year’s event will feature over 200 DSW scholars presenting their capstone research through a series of interactive sessions designed to bridge research and real-world practice. 

“We are incredibly proud of our DSW scholars and the work they have put in to reach this milestone,” said Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff, director of the DSW program and clinical assistant professor. “The Showcase of DSW Scholars offers a unique opportunity for them to share meaningful, practice-informed work with the broader social work community while also contributing to continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field.” 

Participants attending the showcase will have the opportunity to earn free continuing education (CE) credits, supporting the ongoing professional development of social workers while expanding access to cutting-edge research and practice strategies. 

The virtual format reflects the college’s commitment to accessible learning and professional engagement, making it possible for practitioners nationwide to connect with the latest innovations in social work practice. Previous showcases have drawn hundreds of participants interested in advancing their knowledge and strengthening their impact in the field.  

The event is free and open to the public. 

 

Sarah Bennett Holmes Awardees Rhyan Banas and Aniyah Maxey hold their awards in front of SBH Balloon arch

Two from College of Social Work Named 2026 Sarah Bennett Holmes Awardees 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two members of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work community have been recognized through the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards, one of the university’s most respected honors celebrating individuals who advance the well-being and leadership of women at UK and across the Commonwealth. 

This year’s honorees from the College of Social Work are: 

  • Rhyan Banas, recipient of the Staff Award 
  • Aniyah Maxey, recipient of the 30 Under 30 Award 

The honorees were recognized during today’s 2026 Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon, held in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballrooms. 

The Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards, established in 1994 by the University of Kentucky Wildcat Forum, recognize faculty, staff, students and teams who promote the growth and well-being through their work, leadership and service. 

The award is named for Sarah Bennett Holmes, a distinguished former dean of women at UK who championed the rights and advancement of women throughout her career. Widowed early in life, Holmes raised four children while completing her education before beginning a successful career at the university. She inspired generations of women to persevere through hardship and pursue their professional goals. Among her many accomplishments, Holmes developed work programs for women during the Great Depression. 

Today, the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards honor members of the UK community who reflect Holmes’ enduring legacy of advocacy, leadership and empowerment. 

Rhyan Banas – Staff Award 

Rhyan Banas serves as Academic Project Manager at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, where she leads the coordination and execution of complex academic, research and administrative initiatives. Her work spans multiple units, supporting strategic priorities, program accreditation and operational alignment across the college. 

In her role, Banas oversees projects from planning through completion, managing timelines, budgets and compliance requirements while coordinating multidisciplinary teams. She navigates complex logistics—including university compliance requirements and cross-functional collaboration—ensuring initiatives are delivered efficiently and effectively. 

Banas works closely with faculty, staff and leadership to advance key priorities, helping align programs and projects with the college’s mission to strengthen communities and support students pursuing careers in social work and criminal justice. 

Through her commitment to collaboration, organization and service, Banas plays a vital role in driving initiatives that create meaningful impact across the college and the communities it serves. 

Aniyah Maxey – 30 Under 30 

Aniyah Maxey is a Bachelor of Social Work (BASW) student at the UK College of Social Work who has distinguished herself as a student leader committed to service, advocacy and community impact. 

Maxey is a Child Welfare Preparation (CW Prep) Scholar, preparing for a career supporting children and families involved in Kentucky’s child welfare system. Her dedication to service and leadership on campus has already earned her multiple recognitions, including the Lyman T. Johnson (LTJ) Torch of Excellence Award, which celebrates students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a commitment to advancing inclusion. 

Maxey’s work reflects a deep commitment to uplifting others and contributing to stronger systems of support for families and communities. The Sarah Bennett Holmes 30 Under 30 Award further recognizes her leadership and the positive impact she is making both within the university community and beyond. 

The College of Social Work congratulates both honorees for their leadership and contributions, which reflect the spirit of the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards and the ongoing work to empower women across the University of Kentucky community. 

Image of Step-Up volunteers in front of UK Building

UK research project explores impact of Step-Up program connecting college students with local schools

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new research project at the University of Kentucky is examining the impact of the Step-Up Program, an interdisciplinary initiative that connects UK students with K–12 learners across Lexington through tutoring, mentoring and service learning.

The project brings together faculty from UK’s College of Social Work, Department of History and Department of Teaching and Learning to explore how participation in Step-Up benefits both the university students who serve as Step-Up Fellows and the schools and community organizations where they work.

The research focuses on how service-learning experiences prepare UK students for future academic and professional goals while strengthening connections between the university and local partners.

Step-Up mobilizes undergraduate and graduate students — known as Step-Up Fellows — to provide individualized and small-group tutoring to K–12 students across Lexington. Fellows work with schools and community organizations to support reading, STEM subjects and other core academic areas while gaining hands-on experience in mentoring and problem-solving.

“Programs like Step-Up create meaningful opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in the classroom while supporting educational outcomes in our own community,” said Dr. Cherra Mathis, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Social Work and one of the faculty collaborators on the project. “Our research seeks to better understand how these experiences shape student preparedness and strengthen partnerships between the university and local organizations.”

Mathis’ research connects closely to Step-Up’s longstanding work supporting English Language Learners and community organizations serving newcomer families in Lexington. Although the program has expanded to support a wide range of students in local schools, it originally grew from efforts to support immigrant youth and continues to maintain strong connections with Lexington’s international community.

“As someone who benefitted from service-learning opportunities as a student, I value programs that connect academic learning with real community needs,” Mathis shared.

The Step-Up program is directed by Dr. Francis Musoni in the UK Department of History, who has led the initiative for several years and helped expand its partnerships across Lexington schools and community organizations.

“Kentucky’s immigrant population has grown rapidly in recent decades, bringing tremendous energy and diversity to communities like Lexington, but also new educational needs,” said Musoni. “The Step-Up program was created to help address these needs by connecting UK students with English Language Learners in local schools. As we begin a comprehensive evaluation of the program, early evidence suggests that Step-Up is creating meaningful benefits for both immigrant and refugee students and for UK students who gain invaluable community-engaged learning experiences.”

STEP UP has been supported through the Provost’s Institutional Multidisciplinary Paradigm to Accelerate Collaboration and Transformation (IMPACT) awards and is currently supported by the UK Women & Philanthropy Network and individual donors.

Through the program, many fellows have gone on to pursue graduate study and careers in law, policy, education and international work.

The program’s reach continues to expand. During the 2024–25 academic year, more than 800 K–12 students received tutoring and mentoring through Step-Up services, while 138 UK students served as Step-Up Fellows. Fellows were placed at four high schools and six community organizations throughout the Lexington area.

Students involved in the program also present their work at regional and national conferences, sharing insights about service-learning, mentorship and community-engaged scholarship.

Mathis and her research collaborators aim to better understand how programs like Step-Up contribute to student development while investing in lasting connections.

Person looking at photo gallery

UK Criminal Justice event explores reentry through storytelling and photography 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work and Lewis Honors College will host an immersive event highlighting the lived experiences of individuals navigating reentry after incarceration, using storytelling and photography to foster dialogue and understanding. 

Titled “Reentry Through Their Lens: A Photovoice Experience,” the program will feature a curated photo gallery, opportunities for informal engagement and a panel discussion with four individuals who will share personal reflections on their reentry journeys. 

The event is grounded in Photovoice, a participatory research approach that empowers individuals to document their experiences through photography and guided dialogue. Through this process, participants capture meaningful moments from their lives and engage in structured conversations that deepen reflection and shared understanding. 

“Photovoice creates space for individuals to tell their own stories in ways that are both personal and powerful,” said Dr. Victoria Collins, director of the criminal justice programs. “By centering these perspectives, we can better understand the realities of reentry and the factors that shape it.” 

The panel will offer attendees an opportunity to hear directly from individuals with lived experience, exploring both the challenges and resilience involved in reentry. 

By elevating lived experiences, the event aims to foster connection, increase awareness and encourage meaningful dialogue around the structural and personal dynamics that influence reentry outcomes. 

The event is open to students, faculty, staff and community members. 

Registration is available at: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eEQnpheqcuNgazA