LEXINGTON, Ky. – Avery Powers, a trailblazer for the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) Class of 2025, triple majoring in criminal justice, psychology and sociology, has been awarded the Maurice A. Clay Award for outstanding graduating students.
The Maurice A. Clay award was created over thirty years ago to recognize the outstanding graduating senior in each academic college. Winners are selected by the College and are expected to be exceptional leaders who have provided service to their college while maintaining a strong academic record.
Receiving this award at the University of Kentucky Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society annual awards on March 30, Omicron Delta Kappa recognized Powers for her superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character.
“I was very honored and humbled to receive this award as the College of Social Work representative,” Powers said. “Knowing the impact I have made in such a short amount of time in the criminal justice program, it meant everything to me to see all of my hard work be recognized.”
A member of the inaugural class of criminal justice graduates, Powers has made her mark at the College of Social Work. During her time as a criminal justice major, she has launched the Student Criminal Justice Association, serving as president and paving the way for future students. Powers also serves as a CoSW Student Ambassador, as well as an undergraduate researcher for the CoSW’s Suicide Preveltion and Exposure Lab.
The key to this success? Not being afraid to hear “no.”
“No is not a stopping point, it’s just redirection,” Powers said. “That was something I had to tell myself. If there was an opportunity that I wanted to be a part of and it wasn’t something I was necessarily qualified for, I always asked. Even if you get told no, you can still learn from that in some way.”
Graduating from UK in just three years, Powers has always had a passion for a career in criminal justice and plans to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University following her graduation in May, with the dream of becoming a forensic psychologist.
The integration of criminal justice and social work is something that has made an impact on Powers during her time with the CoSW and something that she will carry with her during the next step of her career.
Powers also reflects on the relationship she built with Kayla Powell, CoSW’s Director of Student Experience and Engagement, who presented Powers with the Maurice A. Clay Award.
“As I look to graduation, I want to thank the College of Social Work and Kayla Powell,” Powers reflected. “My relationship and support from Kayla as a mentor has meant everything to me and I feel honored to have been presented that award from her.”
