LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the promotion of Dr. Kathryn Showalter to Associate Professor with tenure, recognizing her nationally recognized scholarship, teaching and service focused on intimate partner violence (IPV), family wellbeing and social policy.
Over the course of her career, Showalter has established herself as a leading researcher examining the ways IPV influences poverty through employment sabotage. Outcomes of mental health, financial security, and housing stability of IPV survivors are the focus of Showalter’s research. Showalter believes that systematic policy response to protecting employment can improve the livelihood, safety, and future of families experiencing violence.
“Dr. Showalter’s scholarship exemplifies the power of research to address complex social problems and improve lives,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement at CoSW. “Her work has expanded our understanding of violence prevention, family wellbeing and social policy while contributing meaningful solutions for practitioners, policymakers and communities. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned promotion and tenure.”
Showalter’s research has been published in leading journals and has earned national recognition for its contributions to the field. Most recently, she received the Council on Social Work Education’s Violence Against Women and Children Manuscript Award for her scholarship examining the experiences of survivors and the systems designed to support them. During this conference, Showalter was also recognized for serving as a 2025 Mentor for the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education alongside colleagues Dr. Laneshia Conner, Dr. Shelita Jackson, and Dr. Kristel Scoresby.
In the past year, Showalter has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications focused on intimate partner violence, housing insecurity and family wellbeing. Her scholarship continues to examine how policies and support systems can improve safety, stability and long-term outcomes for IPV survivors and their children.
“Violence doesn’t occur in isolation,” Showalter said in a previous interview. “When families experience intimate partner violence, the impacts can extend into nearly every aspect of life, including housing, financial security, health and wellbeing. Understanding those connections helps us identify opportunities for intervention and prevention.”
Beyond her scholarship, Showalter has contributed to the profession through teaching, mentoring and service. She has presented her work at conferences across the country and continues to collaborate with researchers, practitioners and policymakers working to improve outcomes for survivors of violence and their families.
Through her research, teaching and service, Showalter continues to advance CoSW’s mission of improving the human condition by generating knowledge that informs practice, shapes policy and strengthens communities.