Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), in partnership with its College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA), is excited to continue the Alumni–Student Mentoring Program, launching in the Spring 2026 term.
Now entering its fourth year, the program has already connected hundreds of motivated students with accomplished alumni mentors and is rapidly expanding. With a growing number of student applications already in hand, CoSW is calling on SWAA members to serve as alumni mentors who will help shape the next generation of students.
The past five years have marked a period of substantial growth at CoSW. With the rollout of its Criminal Justice programs and expanded academic offerings, student enrollment has increased exponentially, reflecting the College’s ongoing commitment to advancing human well-being across multiple disciplines.
The expansion has already created a growing need for mentorship. Students are eager for connection, guidance, and encouragement from alumni who have walked similar paths, whether in clinical practice, advocacy, educational settings or leadership roles.
Since its inception, the SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program has been designed to build meaningful connections between alumni and current CoSW students. Students benefit not only from classroom knowledge, but from the lived experience, professional wisdom, and personal support that alumni bring.
For Willis Bright, class of 1966, longtime supporter of CoSW and recent inductee into the UK Alumni Association’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni, mentoring was simply an extension of that lifelong commitment:
“As one who has been committed to doing what I can for the school—whether it’s our family providing scholarships or serving on advisory boards—this was just another opportunity to continue providing service to the College and to lift up the field of social work.”
Paired with DSW student Olivia Yearns, Bright said the experience was mutually enriching:
“It’s benefited me, too. Seeing how she leads—in her profession, her business, her family—has helped me become a better social worker, a better husband, and a better person.”
For Yearns, that connection became something far deeper than a program requirement:
“He has seen me cry, he has encouraged me, and I don’t know the criteria for linking two individuals together, but I can truly say there is no better person that could have been my mentor than Mr. Bright.”
Bright hopes more alumni will follow his lead:
“Go into it with confidence and humility. Be open. It’s not about impressing one another—it’s about sharing what you know, reinforcing the profession, and making one another stronger.”
Alumni who choose to mentor have the opportunity to change a student’s life by offering stability, encouragement, and perspective during some of the most formative years of their academic and professional journeys.
The Spring 2026 mentoring cycle runs January through May 2026 and involves periodic check-ins, suggested monthly interactions (in person, virtually or by phone), and a kick-off event and closing celebration.
Matches are made based on areas of interest, professional background, and personal preferences to optimize fit. Training and support materials will be provided.
To apply to be a mentor for the Spring 2026 cycle, please complete the online mentor application at by November 19th. For questions, alumni may reach out to the College at ukcosw@uky.edu.
About SWAA and the College
The College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is dedicated to connecting alumni, students, and the profession to advance social justice, professional excellence, and lifelong engagement with the University. The College of Social Work prepares students to advance human well-being and help meet the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities.
