College of Social Work celebrates impact at 4th annual recognition celebration 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) gathered faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and community partners on Oct. 1 for its 4th Annual Recognition Celebration at Kroger Field. 

The annual event recognizes the people whose teaching, research, service, leadership and support continue to shape the College and its impact across Kentucky and beyond. 

“Tonight is all about our people,” Dean Jay Miller said during his opening remarks. “We are recognizing individuals and groups who have made a profound impact on the life of our college and beyond.”  

Miller also thanked those in attendance for the role they play in advancing the College’s work. 

“Each of you plays a unique role in the college and your contributions are vital to our continued success, as we work to remain a leader in social work and criminal justice education and continue to improve the human condition,” Miller said.  

Celebrating donors, students and a legacy of impact 

Director of Philanthropy Ramla Osman opened the evening’s recognitions by celebrating CoSW donors and the College’s 2026-27 scholarship recipients. 

Osman highlighted the role philanthropy plays in supporting students and strengthening the College’s ability to serve, teach and lead. More than 50 students were recognized as scholarship recipients for the 2026-27 academic year.  

The evening also introduced the College’s new Legacy of Impact Award, recognizing an individual whose sustained commitment, service and advocacy have advanced the mission of the College and created meaningful, lasting change.  

The inaugural award was presented to Pamela Weeks, J.D., MSW, whose 20-year career with the College included leadership in child welfare education, field education and integrated behavioral health. 

Weeks’ work helped expand opportunities for social workers and prepare generations of students for practice, leaving a lasting impact on the College and the social work profession. 

Recognizing faculty and staff 

Chief Wellbeing Officer Andrea Deweese recognized retirees Ray Dowd and Missy Segress before presenting the 2026 People First, People Always Awards.  

Launched in 2023, the People First, People Always Awards are the College’s highest honors for employees and recognize faculty and staff whose contributions strengthen CoSW’s culture of research, teaching, wellbeing, service and professional excellence.  

The 2026 recipients included: 

Newman was recognized for scholarship focused on promoting developmental outcomes through sport, recreation and physical activity. His nominators also highlighted his commitment to mentoring students and developing the next generation of scholars. Hipps’ nominations shared that he cares for his students, including through regular check-ins with previous students, and is reliable, consistent, and supportive. 

Scott’s nominators described her teaching as student-centered, engaging and grounded in both theory and real-world application, while McKenna was recognized for her leadership in fostering wellbeing and a sense of belonging throughout the College.  

Working with the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC), Vass’ nominators shared that she utilizes her lived experience to enhance her work and better support families, connecting them with resources and supporting decision-making and placement stability. 

Whitaker was honored for her work supporting the Training Resource Center and coordinating complex statewide efforts serving children and families. Rentfrow, program manager for the KKRC, was recognized for leading her team with pride, dedication and empathy while providing the guidance and support needed to navigate growth and change.  

Celebrating student excellence 

Director of Student Experience and Engagement Kayla Powell, Ph.D., recognized members of the 2025-26 Dean’s Student Advisory Council and the recipients of the College’s student awards. 

The advisory council, formed in 2022, provides students across degree programs and modalities with an opportunity to share feedback and help inform College initiatives.  

Student award recipients included: 

The College’s student awards recognize achievement in academics, leadership, experiential learning and service.  

Second Lt. Howard graduated ranked in the top 20 percent of her class and embodies the values and principles of the social work profession. Delaney was recognized for her academic excellence and thoughtful contributions to the criminal justice program, while Mabry’s nominators highlighted her commitment to social work, peer connection and the online student experience.  

Dillman was honored for a commitment to scholarship, teaching and community engagement. Edwards nominators shared that she demonstrates strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for both peers and team members. 

Pablo received the Dean’s Outstanding Service Award for leadership within the Doctor of Social Work program and for consistently supporting classmates through resources, encouragement and solution-focused advocacy.  

Honoring alumni and community partners 

The celebration concluded with Alumni Engagement Manager Summer Bryant recognizing the College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) Executive Advisory Committee and the 2026 SWAA Award recipients. 

Established in 2022, SWAA works to engage and support CoSW alumni while providing opportunities for graduates to remain connected to the College and one another.  

The 2026 SWAA Award recipients were: 

Lanter and Build Inclusion were recognized for their commitment to experiential education and preparing students to work alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Silva was honored for his mentorship of students as they navigate their professional goals.  

Finch received the “You Were Built for This” Award for innovation in military behavioral health, including the development of a pilot program designed to better support non-birthing partners throughout the perinatal period.  

Bell, a CoSW faculty member and two-time graduate of the College, received the Rising Star Award for her contributions to teaching, student support and the social work profession.  

Love-Vaughn was presented the Alumni Excellence Award and inducted into the College of Social Work Hall of Fame. A 1997 BASW and 1998 MSW graduate, Love-Vaughn has built a career spanning social work practice and higher education and currently serves as the inaugural dean of cultural engagement and student success at Louisiana Tech University.  

Moving Forward, Together 

Throughout the evening, the recognitions reflected the many ways members of the CoSW community contribute to the College – from educating and mentoring students to advancing research, supporting families, strengthening communities and carrying the values of social work and criminal justice into their professions. 

As Bryant shared in closing, the College’s continued success is rooted in its people. 

“The College of Social Work is a special place thanks to all of you,” Bryant said. “We are excited to see where the next year takes us, as we move forward, together.”