LEXINGTON, Ky. — This March, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) celebrated National Social Work Month and National Criminal Justice Month, honoring the often unseen, yet transformative, work social work and criminal justice professionals do every day.
Together, social work and criminal justice embody an unwavering commitment to improving the well-being and safety of individuals and communities. With the launch of CoSW’s new Criminal Justice programs, the college is now more prepared than ever to support students, their futures, their communities, and their experiences.
UK CoSW spent the month with its community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, engaging in meaningful conversations about the transformative field of social work and criminal justice. The CoSW also offered a free continuing education course to its alumni during the month of March, as well as offering CoSW branded apparel at its Pop-Up Shop throughout March.
Take a look back at how the CoSW celebrated the social work and criminal justice community.

As part of National Criminal Justice Month, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) partnered with the UK Police Department’s Emergency Management team to equip students with essential emergency preparedness skills.

UK College of Social Work Represents at 42nd Annual BPD Conference
The CoSW made a strong impact at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event, a premier gathering for social work educators, features faculty presentations, community engagement, and interactive exhibitor experiences that highlight the college’s commitment to advancing the field.

Celebrating Olivia Raley, Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards 30 Under 30 Recipient
As the first social worker on the Bardstown police force, Raley is utilizing her extensive education to help the force ensure that people in crisis receive immediate support and connection to essential resources.

College of Social Work goes out to the ball game
The CoSW and Dean Jay Miller invited all faculty, staff, students, and alumni to College of Social Work Day at Kentucky Proud Park as the Wildcats defeated the Auburn Tigers, 6-0.

Social Work and Criminal Justice Appreciation Days
These events celebrated the employees of UK HealthCare, the UK Police Department, and other valued partners for their dedication to the wellbeing of our communities.

Tabling at the Gatton Student Center
The CoSW spent the afternoon at the Gatton Student Center connecting with students and handing out CoSW swag.