LEXINGTON, Ky. — For Shawn Hunter, attending the University of Kentucky was more than just a personal goal – it was “always the dream”.

After earning his GED in 2022 and starting college the same year, Hunter will graduate on Friday, May 8, 2026 Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in social work and continue directly into the College of Social Works’ Accelerated Master of Social Work program this fall.

The road to this milestone in Hunter’s life has been shaped by incredible resilience.

“I have faced many adversities in my life,” Hunter shared. “Since I was 14, I’ve been managing a chronic illness. Growing up, I was severely bullied for being sick and for my sexuality.”

Hunter learned early how quickly isolation can shape a person’s sense of self. He navigated the physical toll of chronic illness alongside emotional weight of bullying and feeling misunderstood. Later, the sudden deaths of both his brother and father altered the course of his life once again.

But those experiences sharpened his sense of empathy and his drive to help others.

“The trying times in my life helped me develop empathy toward others,” he said. “They instilled in me an unwavering passion for achieving success and helping others realize their full potential.”

As a nontraditional student, Hunter admits he initially felt intimidated entering higher education. But that uncertainty dissolved as he began to build relationships with students and faculty that strengthened his sense of self and purpose.

Hunter credits Dr. Shelita Jackson, director of the BASW program, as one of the most influential mentors in his journey.

“Her commitment to student learning and support helped me see my full potential and achieve things I didn’t think were possible,” he said.

Through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway, Hunter began taking graduate-level coursework while completing his undergraduate degree, building momentum toward a career rooted in service and advocacy.

“Social work feels like a path where I can turn what I’ve been through into something meaningful,” Hunter said.

Since arriving at UK, Hunter has earned a place on the dean’s list, maintained a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

In 2025, he was named the College of Social Work’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student — an honor he describes as deeply meaningful.

“To have my hard work recognized by a place I feel so passionate about meant everything,” he said.

Hunter is also a recipient of the Virginia Marsh Bell Scholarship, which he said affirmed both his dedication and his place within the College.

For Hunter, those moments of recognition and hard work have continued to reinforce his commitment to serving others.

That commitment took shape through his practicum work at Ashland Terrace, an independent living community for women. The experience not only strengthened his clinical skills but deepened his passion for working with aging populations and individuals navigating complex health challenges.

Hunter’s next practicum placement will be with the University of Kentucky HealthCare Psychiatry and Trauma Surgery Departments, where he will serve for two semesters as he completes his MSW along with a Clinical Social Work (CSW) certificate.

“I know what it’s like to face the challenges of a disease,” he said. “That perspective allows me to approach others with respect, compassion and a genuine desire to help.”

This fall, Hunter will continue his education in the University of Kentucky’s Master of Social Work program, building on the foundation he has already established through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway.

With a future centered on advocacy, service and supporting others through life’s difficult moments, he remains grounded in the experiences that brought him here.

“I want to help people find the support they need and promote their wellbeing,” he said.

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Shawn Hunter holds recognition award and stands with mother and family friend during 2025 Annual Recognition Ceremony

‘Always the dream’: Shawn Hunter finds his path in social work at the University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For Shawn Hunter, attending the University of Kentucky was more than just a personal goal – it was “always the dream”.

After earning his GED in 2022 and starting college the same year, Hunter will graduate on Friday, May 8, 2026 Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in social work and continue directly into the College of Social Works’ Accelerated Master of Social Work program this fall.

The road to this milestone in Hunter’s life has been shaped by incredible resilience.

“I have faced many adversities in my life,” Hunter shared. “Since I was 14, I’ve been managing a chronic illness. Growing up, I was severely bullied for being sick and for my sexuality.”

Hunter learned early how quickly isolation can shape a person’s sense of self. He navigated the physical toll of chronic illness alongside emotional weight of bullying and feeling misunderstood. Later, the sudden deaths of both his brother and father altered the course of his life once again.

But those experiences sharpened his sense of empathy and his drive to help others.

“The trying times in my life helped me develop empathy toward others,” he said. “They instilled in me an unwavering passion for achieving success and helping others realize their full potential.”

As a nontraditional student, Hunter admits he initially felt intimidated entering higher education. But that uncertainty dissolved as he began to build relationships with students and faculty that strengthened his sense of self and purpose.

Hunter credits Dr. Shelita Jackson, director of the BASW program, as one of the most influential mentors in his journey.

“Her commitment to student learning and support helped me see my full potential and achieve things I didn’t think were possible,” he said.

Through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway, Hunter began taking graduate-level coursework while completing his undergraduate degree, building momentum toward a career rooted in service and advocacy.

“Social work feels like a path where I can turn what I’ve been through into something meaningful,” Hunter said.

Since arriving at UK, Hunter has earned a place on the dean’s list, maintained a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

In 2025, he was named the College of Social Work’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student — an honor he describes as deeply meaningful.

“To have my hard work recognized by a place I feel so passionate about meant everything,” he said.

Hunter is also a recipient of the Virginia Marsh Bell Scholarship, which he said affirmed both his dedication and his place within the College.

For Hunter, those moments of recognition and hard work have continued to reinforce his commitment to serving others.

That commitment took shape through his practicum work at Ashland Terrace, an independent living community for women. The experience not only strengthened his clinical skills but deepened his passion for working with aging populations and individuals navigating complex health challenges.

Hunter’s next practicum placement will be with the University of Kentucky HealthCare Psychiatry and Trauma Surgery Departments, where he will serve for two semesters as he completes his MSW along with a Clinical Social Work (CSW) certificate.

“I know what it’s like to face the challenges of a disease,” he said. “That perspective allows me to approach others with respect, compassion and a genuine desire to help.”

This fall, Hunter will continue his education in the University of Kentucky’s Master of Social Work program, building on the foundation he has already established through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway.

With a future centered on advocacy, service and supporting others through life’s difficult moments, he remains grounded in the experiences that brought him here.

“I want to help people find the support they need and promote their wellbeing,” he said.

Portrait of Johnny Nantz III, MSW class of 2026

From case management to clinical care: MSW graduate Johnny Nantz builds a path toward holistic healing 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For Johnny Nantz, the path to earning his second graduate degree wasn’t about starting—it was about going deeper. 

Already holding a master’s degree in psychology, Nantz was working as a case manager when he began to see the limits of focusing solely on individual behavior and expand his desire for a broader perspective. 

“I saw clients who needed more than psychological support,” Nantz said. “They needed someone who could help them navigate complex systems, access services and address underlying issues that were impacted their health and wellbeing.” 

With a strong foundation in mental health, Nantz chose UK’s Online Master of Social Work program to expand his clinical skills. 

“I wanted additional training that would allow me to continue working and providing therapy,” Nantz said. “The program’s flexibility gave me that opportunity, while also expanding my perspective in areas like policy, ethics, and clinical practice.”  

Nantz is also the first healthcare fellow from Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation to graduate since the partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work launched in fall 2024. Created to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand access to behavioral health care in rural communities, the partnership provides tuition support for fellows pursuing advanced social work education. Through the initiative, professionals like Nantz are able to continue serving their communities through MCHC while building the clinical skills needed to address growing behavioral health needs across Eastern Kentucky.

For Nantz, practicum was particularly impactful. It allowed him to integrate his background in psychology with his social work training, helping him begin to shape his clinical identity.  

“Practicum reinforced that I am moving in the right direction professionally,” Nantz said. “I was especially proud to apply both my psychology background and social work training to support my clients.” 

Now graduating from the program, Nantz is focused on what comes next: continuing to build his clinical experience and working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to help people create meaningful change in their lives,” he said. “Whether it’s through therapy or connecting someone to the right resources, being part of that process is what drives me.” 

First-generation graduate Alondra Valle finds purpose and community through MSW program

LEXINGTON, Ky. – When Alondra Valle first set foot on the University of Kentucky campus, she immediately fell in love and knew that she wanted to pursue her Master of Social Work (MSW) with the College of Social Work (CoSW). Now, graduating this May, Valle reflects on her time in the program.

After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, as a first-generation college student, Valle didn’t intend to go to a larger school, but her mentor, Dr. Lindsey Munoz, Clinical Instructor and Associate Dean of Pedagogical Possibilities, encouraged her to visit Lexington, even if she was going to pursue her MSW online.

“Within the first ten minutes of being on campus, I fell in love and knew that my education would excel if I chose the CoSW online program,” Valle shared.

During her time in the MSW program, Valle was able to stay involved through her role as Vice President in a new club, The MSW Lounge, a student-led organization open to all MSW students that focuses on building community, networking and peer support, professional development, and mental health and wellness support.

The MSW program also prepared Valle for her future in social work, inspiring her to look at the profession in many different ways.

“From group assignments involving us acting as social workers and clients, to research, I felt like I got a glimpse of the many ways social work functions in all types of communities,” Valle said.

As she prepares for the next step in her social work career, another aspect of the program that Valle shared as valuable was the feedback from her professors and the time they took to provide supportive insight to ensure she was moving in the right direction.

“While I was anxiously awaiting assignments to be graded, I really appreciated the time all my professors took to look over my assignments and provide feedback,” Valle said. “This was not something I anticipated knowing how big the CoSW is, but it is something I am grateful for as it has prepared me for my future in this profession.”

Following graduation, Valle will continue her work with the Kansas Department for Children and Families in the Exploited and Missing Children Unit, transitioning into a full-time role after completing her practicum there. Continuing to gain experience, Valle aspires to be a children’s hospital social worker.

As Valle prepares to walk across the commencement stage, she is reminded of her why – her family – and is excited to see all her hard work pay off.

“Being a first-generation Latina woman, I didn’t have a lot of people that I could look up to growing up. Walking across the stage will be a full-circle moment for me as I hope I can be someone my younger brother and cousins can look up to,” Valle said. “This diploma will symbolize how all the sacrifices my immigrant parents made paid off. Getting my MSW is the least I could do for them as they have given me the world and so much more.”

UK social work graduate driven by lived experience to expand mental health access in communities

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Growing up in a community where mental health awareness was limited, Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate Mariamu Wilondja saw firsthand the gaps in understanding and access to care, an experience that continues to shape her path in social work.

After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from Kentucky State University, Wilondja knew she wanted to expand her clinical training and deepen her impact. That decision led her to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), where she found both the academic preparation and support system needed to continue building her path forward.

Her motivation to pursue social work is closely tied to her lived experience.

Throughout her time in the MSW program, Wilondja said that support from faculty, advisors and staff played a key role in her success, helping her navigate graduate school while preparing for the next phase of her career.

That support became especially meaningful during moments of financial challenge.

“Receiving the Dr. Kennard W. & Pat A. Wellons Scholarship allowed me to stay on track academically at a critical time, ensuring I could register for the classes I needed to continue my program,” Wilondja shared.

Now preparing to graduate, Wilondja is focused on building a career in clinical social work, with plans to work in a hospital setting and eventually open her own practice. Her goal is to expand access to care while also increasing awareness and education around mental health, particularly in communities where stigma and limited resources remain barriers.

Her vision extends beyond local impact.

Having been born and raised in a refugee camp, Wilondja hopes to one day provide mental health support to individuals in similar settings where trauma is common, but access to care and understanding of mental health is often limited.

“Many refugees deal with PTSD as they have experienced traumatic events in their lives, but they are not aware of mental health disorders,” Wilondja said. “The broken heart, the grief, and stigma surrounding them makes it hard for them to seek for help. I was born and raised in a refugee camp myself, the stigma that comes with someone pursuing mental health help is real.”

Wilondja recognizes the lasting effects of those experiences, from depression and anxiety to uncertainty about the future, and is committed to helping others navigate those challenges with greater support and understanding.

As she reflects on her journey, Wilondja points to the role of community, both in the challenges she has faced and the support that has helped her move forward.

Support like the Wellons Scholarship, she said, is more than financial—it creates opportunity.

Her message to those who give is simple: the impact is real, and it changes lives.

MSW graduate Simenesh Comollo’s path to commencement defined by resilience

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Simenesh Comollo’s path to earning her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) reflects a journey defined by resilience and a deep commitment to helping others.

Comollo’s path to graduate school was anything but traditional. She came to the United States at 14 without speaking English, learning the language from the ground up while navigating a new education system and culture. When she entered college, she said she felt behind but remained determined to keep moving forward.

That persistence, paired with the support of mentors, peers and scholarship opportunities, helped her find her footing and ultimately her purpose.

“My passion for social work comes from my desire to advocate for others and give back,” Comollo shared.

Comollo chose the University of Kentucky for the strength of its social work program and the flexibility of its online MSW option, an important factor as she balanced school with work, practicum requirements and becoming a new mother.

Throughout her time in the program, Comollo said the ability to apply classroom learning directly to real-world practice was one of the most impactful parts of her experience, helping build both confidence and practical skills as she prepared to enter the field.

But the journey was not without its challenges.

“Balancing graduate school, work, and major life milestones has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my resilience,” she said.

Support from the Wiley Scholarship played a pivotal role along the way. Receiving the scholarship helped ease financial strain during a demanding time, allowing Comollo to focus more fully on her education and professional growth.

“Receiving the Wiley Scholarship has had a profound impact on me—personally, academically, and financially,” Comollo said.

For Comollo, the scholarship also served as a meaningful affirmation that her work, dedication and perseverance were seen.

As a first-generation college graduate, graduation marks a milestone that extends beyond her own story.

“I am the first person from my hometown—and even within my adoptive family—to pursue higher education at this level,” Comollo shared.

Looking ahead, Comollo plans to pursue a career in therapy, working with children and families, while building a life that allows her to grow professionally and be present as a mother.

Her goal? To use both her lived experience and education to support others navigating difficult circumstances.

For Comollo, the impact of the Wiley Scholarship will continue far beyond graduation.

“The generosity goes far beyond financial support,” she said. “It becomes part of someone’s story—it creates opportunities, relieves burdens, and allows people like me to keep going.”

UK College of Social Work highlights Grounded Together Fund during National Foster Care Month

LEXINGTON, Ky. – This May, in recognition of National Foster Care Month, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is highlighting the Grounded Together Fund, a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) class initiative designed to support students with lived experience in foster care as they navigate college.

Created by the 2025 DSW cohort, The Grounded Together Fund provides resources such as educational materials, mentorship opportunities, extracurricular and leadership development, and emergency assistance for former foster youth attending UK.

For DSW student Arielle Skinner, that support is deeply personal.

“I actually grew up in the foster care system from about 3 years old and aged out at 21,” Skinner shared. “I went on to college, earned my bachelor’s and my master’s in social work.”

Now in the DSW program, Skinner said her path to UK was shaped by both her lived experience and a desire to expand her impact.

“One of the things that really drew me to UK was the work being done with foster youth and kinship care,” she said. “I knew this was where I needed to be.”

Skinner said National Foster Care Month is an opportunity to bring greater awareness to a population that is often overlooked.

“It’s not always at the forefront of conversations in our communities,” Skinner said. “There isn’t a deeper understanding of what foster care is, what the experience is like or the outcomes for those leaving the system.”

The Grounded Together Fund aims to address those gaps by providing flexible support for students. Resources can be used for housing during academic breaks, food, books, technology and other essential needs.

“The funds can be used in ways that meet real needs,” Skinner said. “That flexibility is what makes it so powerful.”

Beyond meeting immediate needs, Skinner said the fund represents a broader commitment to recognizing and supporting students with foster care experience.

“If we are going to talk about outcomes for youth leaving foster care, we also need to talk about how we support them,” Skinner said. “If we want successful outcomes, it is a collective responsibility.”

As part of this effort, the College has launched the Grounded Together: Legacy Challenge, inviting CoSW alumni and supporters to give back and build a lasting legacy for future students—each graduating class would donate their graduating year (i.e. class of 2026 would donate $20.26).

To make a gift, please visit the UK Giving website and mark the Fund Selection: Social Work, and for Gift Instructions: Gift for Grounded Together.

College of Social Work celebrates 2026 graduating class on May 8

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky proudly celebrates the accomplishments of its graduating class of 2026 on Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. Amid an atmosphere of celebration and reflection, graduates from the College of Social Work will come together with faculty, staff, families, and friends at Rupp Arena to mark an important milestone in their academic journey.

This ceremony recognizes the hard work and dedication each student has demonstrated along the way. As they cross the stage, graduates step forward as prepared and confident professionals, ready to carry their skills and passion into the communities they will serve.

The CoSW looks forward to celebrating its graduates at the Graduation Celebration, hosted by the College of Social Work, and at Grad Gathering, hosted by the UK Alumni Association, following the commencement ceremony. Throughout the week, graduates are invited to share their photos with the CoSW for an opportunity to be highlighted on social media. Please use #UKCoSWGrad2026 on all social media posts from the week to be featured at the Graduation Celebration. 

Graduation Celebration (hosted by UK College of Social Work) 

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 2nd floor, Hilton Hotel (369 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507).

The Graduation Celebration, occurring before commencement, is a longer event and is exclusively for College of Social Work graduates. There will be food, photo opportunities, and an opportunity to spend quality time with your fellow graduates as well as college faculty and staff. 

Grad Gathering (hosted by UK Alumni Association) 

Time: Immediately following commencement
Location: Club C, Rupp Arena (430 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507).

The Grad Gathering, occurring immediately following commencement in Rupp Arena, is an event at which all colleges with students graduating during the commencement ceremony will be represented, including the College of Social Work. The CoSW will be there with a small table and a gift for each graduate. Graduates typically walk through this space before reuniting with any friends and family who watched them participate in commencement. 

More information on commencement. 

Parking: 

Please park at the Hilton Hotel garage, on 369 West Vine Street (you may enter from either Vine St. or Main St.).

Bring your parking ticket: Please make sure to bring your parking ticket with you to the Graduation Celebration.

Where to get your parking validation sticker: You can pick up your validation sticker from Bryan Back, Sarah Cleaver, or Allison Bourne at the check-in table.

Parking validation: The validation sticker will allow you to exit the parking garage without additional charges.

Please note the parking garage has an elevator on every floor except the top level. Please take the elevator to the 2nd floor entrance where the ballroom is located. Entrance is handicap accessible.

Entering the Hilton:

Entry from Pedway: The pedway from the Hyatt & Rupp Arena comes out on to the 2nd floor where the ballrooms are located. 

Entry from Street Level:  The elevators are located just to the left of the Hotel Registration Desk. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor entrance where the ballroom is located. Entrances & elevators are handicap accessible.

UK social work graduate finds purpose through service, leadership and impact

LEXINGTON, Ky. – For Ben Ison, finding his path in social work wasn’t part of the original plan but it quickly became a calling.

“I didn’t start out as a social work major, but over time I realized that my purpose is to help others,” Ison shared. “Social work gave me a clear path to do that.”

Now preparing to graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work this May, Ison reflects on a college experience defined by service, leadership and connection.

A proud Wildcat, choosing the University of Kentucky felt natural.

“I’ve always bled blue and been proud to be a Wildcat,” Ison said. “UK gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while staying connected to a community I care deeply about.”

During his time at the CoSW, Ison served as a student ambassador and took on leadership roles across campus, including Vice President and Mental Health Chair for Pi Kappa Alpha, serving on the University Appeals Board and working as a research assistant. He also participated in campus traditions like DanceBlue and Greek Sing.

That commitment was recognized this year when Ison received the University of Kentucky’s Sullivan Award, honoring students for their dedication to service and leadership.

“Winning the UK Sullivan Award meant everything to me,” Ison shared. “To be recognized for service is incredibly meaningful because service is at the core of who I am.”

Through his coursework, research and practicum experiences, Ison said the College of Social Work prepared him to advocate for others and approach complex challenges with empathy.

“The College has prepared me to work with and advocate for some of the most vulnerable populations,” he said. “I’ve developed the skills and perspective to approach complex issues in both social work and the criminal justice system with a commitment to change.”

One of his most memorable experiences came while studying abroad in Ireland, where he built lasting relationships with classmates while gaining new perspectives on social work.

Following graduation, Ison will continue his education at the CoSW in the Master of Social Work program. He plans to focus his career on reentry and rehabilitation services within the justice system, with a particular interest in juvenile justice.

For Ison, graduation marks the start of something bigger.

“Walking across the stage means more than just earning a degree,” Ison said. “It represents the beginning of a lifelong commitment to helping others.”

Sport Social Work Research Lab hosts Mind in Motion Symposium focused on student-athlete mental health

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL) partnered with Frederick Douglass High School (FDHS) to host the Mind in Motion Symposium, an event centered on student-athlete mental health, performance and overall wellbeing.

Held April 17 at FDHS, the symposium brought together more than 300 student-athletes for an interactive experience highlighting the connection between mental health and athletic performance. The event featured insights from current University of Kentucky athletes, SSW-RL practicum students and high school student-athlete leaders.

As part of the SSW-RL’s Campus and Community Collaboratives (C3) initiative, the event reflects the University of Kentucky’s mission by strengthening partnerships between the university, schools and the broader community.

“The event raised awareness about youth mental health and the importance of holistic wellbeing across the lifespan,” said Dr. Carly Kimiecik, CoSW assistant professor and researcher at the SSW-RL. “By creating intentional spaces for guided discussions about mental health and engaging athletes in activities that promote wellbeing, we seek to foster a sense of belonging and community, support healthy development and provide athletes with opportunities to develop important life skills.”

Throughout the symposium, discussions emphasized that athlete wellbeing extends beyond physical performance. High school student-athletes often navigate pressures related to academics, peers, family expectations and social media, making intentional opportunities for connection and reflection critical.

By combining guided discussions with interactive activities, the SSW-RL aims to create a sense of belonging, support healthy development and equip young athletes with skills that extend beyond the field.

The event also highlighted the impact of university-school-community partnerships in advancing holistic approaches to student-athlete wellbeing, reinforcing the role of sport as a platform for connection, growth and support.

CoSW’s Spencer Payton receives Maurice A. Clay Award for leadership and impact at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky Criminal Justice student Spencer Payton has been named the 2026 recipient of the Maurice A. Clay Award for the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW).

The Maurice A. Clay Award recognizes one outstanding graduating senior from each academic college at the University of Kentucky. Recipients are selected by college leadership based on academic excellence, leadership and impact.

Payton was nominated by CoSW faculty members Stephanie Quiring, J.D., Ph.D., and Nicole McKenna, Ph.D., for his dedication to undergraduate research.

Through his work, Payton has explored complex issues at the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. His research with Quiring focuses on mental health and police power, while his collaboration with McKenna examines child sexual abuse organizations, levels of trauma and reentry experiences.

“Over the weekend, I had the privilege to be awarded the Maurice A. Clay Award for the University of Kentucky College of Social Work,” Payton shared. “This award is such an honor, and I am incredibly grateful for the support of my professors, family and peers throughout my academic journey.”

In addition to his research, Payton is a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, a pre-law and government fraternity, and currently serves as the fundraising chair. He is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and has previously served for the Wildcat Wardrobe. Payton also completed prior research with Dr. Richard Waterman, focusing on the American Presidency.

Following graduation, Payton plans to take a gap year before attending law school, with the goal of continuing his research and presenting his work at national conferences.

The Maurice A. Clay Award, named in honor of a longtime University of Kentucky leader and advocate, celebrates students who exemplify the values of scholarship, leadership and service across the university.

For the College of Social Work, Payton’s recognition reflects the impact of student-driven research and the importance of preparing future leaders to address complex challenges in communities.