Alumni Spotlights
UK Social Work BASW Grad Named 2023 Sullivan Award Winner
The below snippet is pulled from an article originally published by UKNow. A University of Kentucky College of Social Work graduate is among three individuals who received UK’s highest honor
How Shelagh Larkin, MSW ‘88 and Ph.D. ‘20, Built A Social Work Career
Returning to school was a dream for Shelagh Larkin, who came back to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work to pursue a Ph.D. 30 years after completing her
From Economics to Social Work: Christson Adedoyin’s Story
Christson Adedoyin, Ph.D. ’11, is boundless in his passion for the social work profession. Originally a student of economics in his native Nigeria, Adedoyin decided to change careers out of
How UK College of Social Work Graduate Elizabeth Trebelhorn Relaunched Her Career Helping Families Impacted by Incarceration
To say Elizabeth Trebelhorn is a force of nature is an understatement. Her passion for the social work field and desire to advocate for change radiates as she describes her
How UK Social Work Graduate Tessy Pachner, PhD, Helps Refugees in Need
Tessy Pachner, who received her PhD from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in December, was among those social workers who answered the call to help as a
UK College of Social Work Grad Hannah Kleinman ‘22 on Launching Her Medical Social Work Career
Hannah Kleinman already knew her place was in social work when she signed up for the online master’s program at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work—but the opportunity
How UK Social Work Grad Irina Osmolovska ‘22 Found Her Next Step
After moving to the United States mid-career, Irina Osmolovska was looking for her next step. Born and raised in Belarus, Osmolovska has two small children at home, one of which
CoSW Spotlight: Janet Doss
Following a nudge from her father, Janet Doss, BASW ‘81, switched from studying design to studying social work—and immediately knew this was her calling. “Between the practicum experience—tutoring at a
From the Marine Corps to the Front Lines of Social Work: James Watts, PhD, Class of 2022
At 3 a.m., James Watts found himself awake and at work treating a patient who had attempted suicide. Watts, a mobile crisis team member, had been engaged in emergency mental
Devonia Love-Vaughn receives UK College of Social Work 2022 Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award
“It’s always a good time to do good work,” Devonia Love-Vaughn said of her decision to pursue a professional path as a social worker. Love-Vaughn, who graduated from the UK
Kendra Mulder Receives UK College of Social Work 2022 Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award
“Growing up, I was a child who fell through the gaps, and I realized if I had the supports that would have come from a social worker or someone in
SWAA Executive Advisory Committee
The SWAA Executive Advisory Committee was established in October 2022. The committee will serve in an advisory capacity to Dean Miller regarding a variety of operational areas and is composed