March 4, 2025
Chinn was recognized for her dedication to supporting students and families, as well as her commitment to advancing social work practice within the school system.
Alumni Spotlights
February 5, 2025
“I am so proud of myself. I knew I could do it and I needed a school to take a chance on me and trust that I could do this.”
January 30, 2025
Dr. Priscilla Llamosa’s open-access Handbook for recently admitted Doctor of Social Work (DSW) students addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of community-based learning.
December 17, 2024
Dr. Stephanie Ratliff of Knott County, Kentucky shares her journey from undergraduate to Ph.D, and Director of Field Education at CoSW.
December 6, 2024
Brian was known for his warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication to helping others. This scholarship is a way to carry forward the spirit of his legacy.
October 8, 2024
The University of Kentucky’s Center of Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard, KY, plays a critical role in supporting students balancing higher education with community commitments. Jessica Williamson, a Hazard native and College of Social Work alumna, reflects on her experience as both a student and advisor at the Center. Her story sheds light on the resources available to rural students and the Center’s continued dedication to student success, even as many programs move online.
October 3, 2024
Willis Bright, a trailblazer and mentor known as “The Oracle,” has been inducted into the 2025 UK Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni. A 1966 CoSW graduate and the first African-American to earn the Algernon Sullivan Medallion, his lifelong commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities inspires future generations.
July 10, 2024
Olypmhia O’Neale-White, DSW alumna, was awarded by NASW for her leadership in social work.
May 22, 2024
DCBS Commissioner Lesa Dennis details her time in the MSW Program and how it helped elevate her both personally and professionally.
May 13, 2024
This post was originally published by News from the Blue – the UK Alumni Association blog.
Recent Articles
Highlights: 2025 May Graduation Categories
Cobb County School District Honors Kimberly Chinn as School Social Worker of the Year
Chinn was recognized for her dedication to supporting students and families, as well as her commitment to advancing social work practice within the school system.
March 4, 2025
Bet on yourself: Leeanne Mager’s journey to the College of Social Work
“I am so proud of myself. I knew I could do it and I needed a school to take a chance on me and trust that I could do this.”
February 5, 2025
Faculty publishes open-access handbook, supports recently admitted DSW students
Dr. Priscilla Llamosa’s open-access Handbook for recently admitted Doctor of Social Work (DSW) students addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of community-based learning.
January 30, 2025
“I’m So Glad I Listened.” Dr. Stephanie Ratliff Reflects on graduation, her calling, and a unified vision for human flourishing
Dr. Stephanie Ratliff of Knott County, Kentucky shares her journey from undergraduate to Ph.D, and Director of Field Education at CoSW.
December 17, 2024
Dean Jay Miller Announces $1 Million Scholarship Gift Honoring Brian Reber’s Legacy
Brian was known for his warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication to helping others. This scholarship is a way to carry forward the spirit of his legacy.
December 6, 2024
Dr. Shericka Smith Honored with Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dr. Shericka Smith, a distinguished alumna of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), has been awarded the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award
October 11, 2024
Guiding Students in Hazard: Social Work Advisor Reflects on the Center of Excellence in Rural Health
The University of Kentucky’s Center of Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard, KY, plays a critical role in supporting students balancing higher education with community commitments. Jessica Williamson, a Hazard native and College of Social Work alumna, reflects on her experience as both a student and advisor at the Center. Her story sheds light on the resources available to rural students and the Center’s continued dedication to student success, even as many programs move online.
October 8, 2024
Willis Bright Inducted into UK Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni
Willis Bright, a trailblazer and mentor known as “The Oracle,” has been inducted into the 2025 UK Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni. A 1966 CoSW graduate and the first African-American to earn the Algernon Sullivan Medallion, his lifelong commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities inspires future generations.
October 3, 2024
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Legacy and Expansion at the College of Social Work
Legendary Beginnings: Frances Jewell McVey In 1938, as the nation emerged from the Great Depression, the University of Kentucky (UK) Board of Trustees established its first Department of Social Work,
July 22, 2024
Social Work alumna awarded “Emerging Social Work Leader” by NASW
Olypmhia O’Neale-White, DSW alumna, was awarded by NASW for her leadership in social work.
July 10, 2024
Always remember your why: DCBS Commissioner and CoSW alum reflects on time at UK
DCBS Commissioner Lesa Dennis details her time in the MSW Program and how it helped elevate her both personally and professionally.
May 22, 2024
Celebrating Inclusive Excellence: Cassandra Jean Johnson Awarded the Emmett P. ‘Buzz’ Burnam Award”
This post was originally published by News from the Blue – the UK Alumni Association blog.
May 13, 2024