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 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to mental health and education.
The Lyman T. Johnson Awards honor individuals who exemplify the legacy of UK’s first African American graduate student by demonstrating unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and social justice. Smith’s career reflects these values through her dedication to mental health advocacy, clinical practice, and community engagement.
A Louisville native, Smith graduated from the University of Kentucky’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program as part of a historic cohort comprising the largest number of Black doctoral graduates from a single discipline in the university’s history.
“This award represents not just my journey but the journey of so many who came before me and those who will come after me,” Smith said. “It’s a reminder of the power of persistence, resilience, and the collective strength of our communities.”
Dr. Smith co-founded Wellness Within, a mental health practice that has expanded to employ 11 therapists, providing essential services to the community. Her commitment to education and mental health led her to develop the Cultural Trauma Questionnaire during her doctoral studies, a tool now utilized by clinicians nationwide.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Smith serves as the Crisis Response Team Lead for Fayette County Public Schools and was recently named a fellow in the School Crisis Recovery & Renewal Project Leadership Fellowship for 2024-2025.
Dr. Smith was honored at the 34th Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, held on October 11, 2024, during the UK Alumni Association’s Homecoming Week. The event celebrates individuals who reflect the enduring values of Lyman T. Johnson’s vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The University of Kentucky College of Social Work proudly celebrates Smith’s accomplishments and her unwavering dedication to the field of social work. Her achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education and advocacy.
