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College of Social Work Celebrates Excellence at 3rd Annual Recognition Celebration 

On September 25, 2025, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) hosted its 3rd Annual Recognition Celebration at The Carrick House in Lexington. The evening brought together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners for a night of celebration, connection, and recognition of those who have made lasting contributions to the college. 

Honoring Donors and Students 

Director of Philanthropy Ramla Osman opened the recognition portion by celebrating all scholarship donors and recipients. Among those honored in person were: 

  • Kathy Purcell, who established the Brian M. Reber Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund 
  • Elaine Wilson, CoSW alumni and Board of Trustee member who established the Elaine Wilson Scholarship 
  • Linda Harvey, CoSW alumni and longtime donor  
  • Asha Dudee, recipient of the Reber Scholarship 
  • Shawn Hunter, recipient of the Virginia Marsh Bell Scholarship 
  • Jordin Williams, recipient of the Criminal Justice Women and Philanthropy Scholarship 

“These scholarships represent not just financial support, but a belief in the future of our students,” Osman noted. 

Recognizing Faculty and Staff 

Chief Wellbeing Officer Andrea Deweese recognized retirees, years of service milestones, and employee award recipients. Special recognition was given to Dr. Melanie Otis, who is retiring after more than 25 years of service. 

Faculty and staff milestones spanned from five to thirty years. Honorees who celebrated their years of service with the college were: 

  • 5 years: Amanda Carpenter, Haley Clark, Dr. Laneshia Conner, Alice Edwards, Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff, Courtney Leazier, Emily Nichols, Kyle Phillips, Sheila Rentfrow, Kathryn Showalter, Michelle Slone.  
  • 20 years: Dr. Julie Cerel and Dr. Christopher Flaherty.  
  • 25 years: Larry “Jeff” Damron. 
  • 30 years: Gary Trumble. 

The People First, People Always Awards celebrated outstanding faculty and staff contributions: 

  • Xana Plum – Culture of Wellbeing Award 
  • Dr. Aubrey Jones – Culture of Research Award 
  • Dr. Shelita “Dr. J.” Jackson – Outstanding Teacher Award 
  • Josh Nadzam – PTI of the Year Award 
  • Wanda and Michael Holt – Steadfast Service Award 
  • Sally Levings – Outstanding Staff Award 
  • Sarah Orr – Supervisor of the Year Award 

Celebrating Student Excellence 

Director of Student Experience and Engagement Dr. Kayla Powell recognized members of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council and presented the inaugural College of Social Work Student Awards, launched in Spring 2025. 

Student award recipients included: 

  • CPT Amanda Veen – Army MSW Program Award 
  • Shawn Hunter – Outstanding Undergraduate Student 
  • Brianna Hinton – Outstanding Graduate Student 
  • Dr. Lila Elliott – Outstanding Doctoral Student 
  • Olivia Stanley – Experiential Learning Student of the Year 
  • Jordin Williams – Dean’s Outstanding Service Award 

“These students embody the mission of social work—serving, uplifting, and advocating for others,” Powell said. 

Alumni Recognition 

The College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA), established in 2022, highlighted the contributions of its Executive Advisory Committee and recognized alumni leaders through the 2025 SWAA Awards: 

  • Eddie Mann – Outstanding Experiential Learning Instructor Award 
  • Dr. Joelisse Galarza (DSW ’25) – “You Were Built for This” Award 
  • Olivia Raley (MSW ’25) – Rising Star Award 
  • Katie Wolf Whaley (MSW ’03) – Alumni Excellence Award & Hall of Fame Inductee 

“Thousands of alumni represent the college in communities every day, and tonight’s honorees showcase the very best of that impact,” Osman said. 

Closing the Evening 

In his closing remarks, Dean Jay Miller reflected on the significance of the evening: 

“The College of Social Work is a special place thanks to all of you. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, alumnus, or supporter, your contributions shape our mission and ensure we continue to improve the human condition—always, in all ways.” 

The evening concluded with a reception and continued celebration among honorees, guests, and members of the CoSW community. To see more photos of the event, please visit https://socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/highlights-2025-annual-recognition-celebration/.

Celebrate Homecoming 2025 with the College of Social Work

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) and the College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) invite alumni, students, faculty, and staff to participate in a week-long celebration of community, connection, and Wildcat pride during UK Homecoming 2025.

Taking place from October 13–18, the College’s events will include both in-person and online opportunities designed to bring together members of the CoSW community.

Homecoming Pop-Up Shop
October 13–27, 2025 | Online

The SWAA Homecoming 2025 Pop-Up Shop will feature exclusive College of Social Work apparel and merchandise. This online event provides an opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, and staff to show their Wildcat spirit and support the College. Items for purchase will be shipped directly.

Swag Cab (with UK Alumni Association)
October 13–17, 2025 | In-person and Online

Throughout the week, the Swag Cab will travel across campus, offering students a ride to class and a chance to win prizes by answering College of Social Work trivia questions.

Students and alumni not on campus can participate virtually by following the College’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Daily trivia questions will be shared through social media stories, and all participants who answer correctly will have a chance to recieve a unique piece of CoSW swag.

Lunch and Learn: Coming Home to Sport Social Work
October 16, 2025 | 12–1 p.m. (ET) | Virtual via Zoom

This virtual Lunch and Learn will introduce participants to the emerging field of sport social work. Using Homecoming traditions as a focal point, the presentation will explore how sport can serve as a platform for fostering belonging, connection, and community well-being.

The discussion will also highlight current initiatives within the College, including the International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health and the Sport Social Work Research Lab, which are advancing research in college student-athlete mental health, developing new educational pathways such as the Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) concentration in sport social work, and creating community-based practicum opportunities.

Featured presenters include:

  • Dr. Tarkington Newman, Director, International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health
  • Dr. Carlyn Kimiecik, Co-Director, Sport Social Work Research Lab

Participants may be eligible to receive 1.0 continuing education (CE) credit.
Registration for the event is required.

Golden Wildcat Society Induction Dinner and Pinning Ceremony (with UK Alumni Association)
October 16, 2025 | 6 p.m. | Longship Club at Kroger Field, 1540 University Drive

The Golden Wildcat Society Induction Dinner will honor members of the Class of 1975, recognizing 50 years of connection to the University of Kentucky. The evening will include a formal dinner, reception, and pinning ceremony.
Register here.

Lyman T. Johnson Awards & Luncheon
October 17, 2025 | In-person

The University of Kentucky will host the Annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards & Luncheon at the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom on October 17th, 2025. Two CoSW awardees will be recognized. Read more about this year’s CoSW awardees and their accomplishments in the full announcement: Social Work Celebrates 2025 Lyman T. Johnson Award Recipients.

Tailgate Tent Party (with UK Alumni Association)
October 18, 2025 | Tobacco Research Lawn, 1401 University Drive | Time TBA (Pending Kickoff)

The celebration will conclude with the Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party as the Wildcats face off against the Texas Longhorns. Attendees can enjoy classic tailgate food, entertainment, games, and performances by the UK Cheerleaders and Pep Band.
Register here.

Join the Celebration

For full event details, registration links, and updates, visit the College of Social Work Homecoming webpage.

Lyman T. Johnson award recipients Laneshia Conner and Aniyah Maxey walk and talk on UKs campus.

Social Work celebrates recipients of the 2025 Lyman T. Johnson awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 2025) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Lyman T. Johnson Awards. This year, BASW alumna and faculty member Dr. Laneshia Conner has been named the Torch of Excellence Award recipient, and BASW student Aniyah Maxey has been named the Torch Bearer Award recipient. 

The awards will be presented during the 2025 Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom.

The Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award honors alumni whose values, faith, hard work and determination have positively impacted the lives of people on UK’s campus, the city of Lexington, the Commonwealth, and/or the nation. The Torch Bearer Award recognizes students whose academic achievement and ability have positively impacted the lives of others.  

Both honors are named for Lyman T. Johnson, the civil rights pioneer who in 1949 became the first African American to enroll at the University of Kentucky, opening the doors for generations of students and scholars. 

About the 2025 Recipients 

  • Dr. Laneshia Conner – Torch of Excellence Award 
    Dr. Conner, an assistant professor in the College of Social Work, is nationally recognized for promoting health equity and HIV prevention for older Black women through community-led solutions. Most recently, she was awarded a five-year, $635,000 grant from the National Institutes on Aging to develop and refine Woman to Woman (W2W)—a culturally tailored HIV prevention intervention for older Black women, an often-overlooked population. The project provides pilot data and professional development to support a future large-scale clinical trial. As part of her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing racial health equity, Dr. Conner also received a UK UNITE Humanities Pilot Grant—an initiative supporting research teams across career stages to address racial disparities and generate sustainable, extramurally funded projects. 
  • Aniyah Maxey – Torch Bearer Award 
    Maxey, a student in the College of Social Work, exemplifies the spirit of leadership and service that defines the Lyman T. Johnson legacy. Earlier this year, Maxey received the “30 under 30” award during UK’s Sarah Bennett Holmes Luncheon and was named as a Student Government Association Student of the Month. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Conner and Ms. Maxey as this year’s recipients of the Lyman T. Johnson Awards,” said Ramla Osman, director of philanthropy at CoSW  “Both have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service, and they embody the spirit of excellence and perseverance that these awards represent.” 

College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Joy Richardson as Clinical Instructor 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to welcome Dr. Joy Richardson as a Clinical Instructor to the University of Kentucky. 

With more than two decades of social work practice across the country, Richardson brings a deep commitment to youth and families, educational well-being, and justice-driven trauma-informed care. Her professional journey spans leadership roles in child welfare systems, higher education, and psychotherapy.  

Notably, Richardson spent twelve years at Seneca Family of Agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she supported multi-stressed youth and their families in partnership with mental health and child welfare systems. 

An alumna of the UK College of Social Work’s Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program, Richardson’s research centers on social work education and professional formation—specifically the sustainability and support of emerging social workers. She also holds degrees from the University of Georgia and Pacific School of Religion, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Colorado, and Illinois. 

“Joy’s unique background, her dedication to families, and her commitment to future social workers will be a great benefit for our learning community,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “We are thrilled to welcome her back to CoSW in this new role.” 

In addition to her academic and clinical credentials, Richardson is a yoga teacher, adult development facilitator, and musician—having attended the University of Georgia on a clarinet scholarship. 

To learn more about Dr. Richardson’s work, visit her LinkedIn profile. 

Social work researcher secures grant to advance community health for older adults

LEXINGTON, — Laneshia Conner, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW),has been awarded a five-year, nearly $615,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The funding will support Conner’s study, “Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of an HIV Prevention Intervention for Older Black Women.”

“This project is about making sure older Black women — whose voices have too often been overlooked in health research — are not just included, but centered,” said Conner. “It’s about raising awareness, building visibility and ensuring that real resources are directed toward the health needs of this community.

This type of grant, the NIA’s Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, also provides support for an intensive, mentored career development experience in the biomedical, behavioral or clinical sciences leading to research independence.

The NIA-funded study will pilot and evaluate tailored interventions developed in collaboration with community partners, ensuring that findings are both rigorous and sustainable in real-world settings.

Conner developed this project during her time as a scholar trainee in the Kentucky Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) Program, which provides in-depth mentoring and training for scholars pursuing independent research careers in women’s health.

This award underscores Conner’s national leadership in advancing health education for aging populations and builds upon her growing body of research focused on sexual health and wellness among older adults.

“Dr. Conner is a recipient of the UK UNITE Humanities Pilot Grant, and she has received recognition from the Society for Social Work and Research, among other accolades,” said Jackie Duron, Ph.D., CoSW associate dean for faculty advancement. “We are proud to celebrate her commitment to innovative scholarship that meaningfully supports our communities.”

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K12DA035150, and by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K01AG092253. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

University of Kentucky College of Social Work Welcomes Kelly Cervenec Spears as Lecturer 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Cervenec Spears as Lecturer. 

A Lexington native and UK alumna, Cervenec Spears brings more than a decade of clinical and teaching experience to the classroom. After completing her MSW at UK, she began her career at UK HealthCare Good Samaritan Hospital as a case manager and discharge planner on an interdisciplinary rounding team. While in this role, she developed an interest in providing brief, solution-focused therapy for patients undergoing long-term IV antibiotic therapy related to substance use. 

Her passion for supporting individuals with opioid use disorders led her to the UK Polk-Dalton Clinic, where she provided therapy to pregnant and postpartum women and helped launch a pilot program embedding medication-assisted treatment (MAT) into primary care. She later transitioned to private practice at LifeStance Health, where she has treated a wide range of mental health conditions and life transitions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, women’s health issues, and grief. 

In addition to her clinical work, Cervenec Spears has taught part-time with CoSW for more than five years, primarily within the MSW program. In her new role as Lecturer, she will expand her teaching into both the undergraduate and criminal justice programs. 

“Kelly’s breadth of experience—spanning hospital care, community-based treatment, private practice, and classroom instruction—makes her an incredible addition to our faculty,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “She brings both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to training the next generation of social workers.” 

Cervenec Spears holds a BA in sociology from Hanover College and an MSW with a clinical concentration from the University of Kentucky. 

Outside of her professional life, she has visited 16 countries, hiked part of the Appalachian Trail, run six mini-marathons, and performs with a local a cappella group. She and her husband are parents to a six-year-old son and eight-month-old daughter—and share their home with a 20-year-old cat. 

Dean Miller Announces Inaugural Director of Criminal Justice Programs at UK College of Social Work 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A leading voice in critical criminology, Dr. Victoria Collins has been named Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and the inaugural director of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s (CoSW) Criminal Justice (CJ) programs. She brings with her a bold, interdisciplinary perspective shaped by a prolific publication record and nearly a decade of administrative leadership. 

Collins is known for pushing the boundaries of justice studies—both literally and conceptually. Her most recent book, Space Expansionism and Criminology, examines crime, environmental harm, and violence within the context of state and corporate ambitions in outer space. Through a critical lens, she explores topics like space weaponization, realpolitik, orbital debris, and the ethics of space tourism—issues that expand traditional understandings of justice. 

That same expansive approach now guides her work at the CoSW, where she will lead three of the College’s recently launched CJ programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

“Dr. Collins brings a wealth of expertise and a forward-thinking approach to our growing Criminal Justice programs,” said Dean Jay Miller. “Her leadership will be central to our efforts to cultivate a justice workforce grounded in research, innovation, and a deep commitment to societal impact.” 

Collins joins the CoSW from Eastern Kentucky University, where she served as Chair of the School of Justice Studies. She is widely recognized for her interdisciplinary approach, blending sociology, law, and critical criminology to examine the systems that shape justice on Earth—and beyond. 

As director, she will oversee the growth and evolution of the CoSW’s CJ programs, which were established in 2023 to prepare students for careers that require critical thinking, systems-level understanding, and ethical engagement with complex justice issues. 

“Justice doesn’t operate in isolation,” Collins said. “It’s shaped by people, systems, and histories. At UK, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to prepare students to examine and engage with the forces behind justice both thoughtfully and responsibly.” 

Collins holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice, an M.A. in Applied Sociology, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University, and an LLB in Law from the Open University in England. 

To learn more about criminal justice programs at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, visit:

Undergraduate (B.A. and B.S. in Criminal Justice):
socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/academics/undergrad-cj-program.

Graduate (M.S. in Criminal Justice):
socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/academics/mscj-program.

Three Social Work Doctoral Students Named 2025-2027 DREAM Scholars 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2025) —Three students in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) PhD program—Kristen Theile, Levone Li, and Holden Dillman—have been selected for the highly competitive 2025-2027 cohort of the DREAM Scholars Program. 

The DREAM Scholars is led by UK’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science and aims to support early-stage investigators whose research focuses on accelerating discoveries to improve health. The two-year program provides mentorship, funding, and professional development to help scholars advance their research and career trajectories. 

“This recognition speaks to the caliber of social work research being led by our doctoral students,” said Dr. Natalie Pope, director of the CoSW PhD program. “Kristen, Levone, and Holden are advancing meaningful, community-informed work that aligns directly with the mission of the DREAM program—and of our College as a whole.” 

Kristen Theile, a dual doctoral candidate earning both a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) and Ph.D., brings years of nonprofit and community-based experience to her academic pursuits. Her research focuses on human service organizations through the lens of positive psychology and holistic wellness, with a particular interest in how organizational health influences service outcomes. Kristen’s applied perspective is shaped by her work with grassroots organizations both domestically and internationally. 

Levon Lee, now in his third year of doctoral study, is known for his dynamic, data-driven research at the intersection of behavioral health, sport, and youth development. A published scholar and frequent conference presenter, Lee’s work explores aggression, resilience, and mental health among college athletes and youth populations, drawing from advanced statistical methodologies and psychometric testing. He is a longstanding member of the Sport Social Work Research Lab at UK, where he has contributed to multiple program evaluations and book chapters focused on experiential learning and social-emotional skill development.  

Holden Dillman, also a third-year doctoral student, was recently awarded the James S. Brown Graduate Student Award for Research for his work on Appalachian youth mental health. His research investigates how early-life adversity shapes long-term behavioral and emotional outcomes, with an emphasis on resilience and place-based experiences in health access. Dillman’s work is deeply informed by the cultural and social contexts of rural Kentucky. 

To learn more about the DREAM Scholars Program, visit: https://www.ccts.uky.edu/education-training/career-development-and-training-programs/dream-scholars-program.

UK College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Lella Still as New Faculty Member 

The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Lella Still, DSW, LCSW, as a new clinical instructor. Dr. Still brings more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health and social work leadership to the CoSW. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Still to the CoSW faculty,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, CoSW Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement. “Her professional expertise, leadership experience, and dedication to students will be an invaluable asset to our College and to the social work profession.” 

Still began her social work career at Eastern State Hospital, where she served in a variety of roles spanning direct patient care and leadership. Since 2022, she has held the position of Director of Behavioral Health Social Work for UK HealthCare, overseeing teams of social workers across four inpatient behavioral health sites: Eastern State Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, and the recently opened  EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) Center, the first facility of its kind in Kentucky. 

In addition to her leadership in health care, Still serves on Lexington’s Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Board helping shape local policy and community-based solutions. 

Still earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Journalism and English from the University of Kentucky in 2006, her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville in 2010 and is a 2023 Doctorate of Social Work graduate from the University of Kentucky. She has taught as a part-time instructor at UK since 2021 and is also a licensed clinical social worker who has supervised numerous social workers throughout her career. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Still enjoys time with her husband and two sons, ages eight and 13. Together, they share a love of collecting and playing old-school video games, with Wii Sports, Mario Kart, and Mortal Kombat among their recent favorites. In her free time, she also enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading. 

Two Social Work faculty named 2025-26 TEK faculty fellows 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) faculty members Dr. Laneshia Conner and Dr. Madri Hall-Faul have been named 2025-26 Transdisciplinary Educational approaches to advance Kentucky (TEK) Faculty Fellows. 

The TEK initiative, facilitated in partnership with UK’s Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), supports faculty in developing and redesigning courses that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and build employability skills in students—skills critical to addressing many of Kentucky’s most pressing challenges. 

Conner, assistant professor of social work, brings to the fellowship her expertise in public health and aging. Her research focuses on HIV prevention and health communication, particularly among older adult populations. 

Hall-Faul, assistant professor of social work, focuses on human rights and policy implementation—two areas she describes as “inherently transdisciplinary.” Her published research emphasizes the need to integrate coursework that examines the federal rulemaking process, preparing future practitioners who are interested in navigating and influencing administrative policies. 

“Transdisciplinary teaching doesn’t just broaden a student’s academic perspective—it equips them with the practical, collaborative skills they’ll need in the real world,” said Hall-Faul. “The TEK Fellowship allows us to reimagine our classrooms as spaces where policy, practice, and innovation intersect.” 

Both faculty members’ scholarly work and pedagogical philosophies align with TEK’s emphasis on real-world learning and course innovation. As TEK Faculty Fellows, Conner and Hall-Faul will engage in a yearlong Faculty Learning Community, beginning with orientation and course development in the fall semester. They will receive continued support throughout the academic year to implement coursework designed to prepare students for Kentucky’s evolving workforce needs. 

To learn more about TEK, visit https://www.uky.edu/tek.