LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the promotion of seven faculty members whose contributions to teaching, research, mentorship and professional leadership continue to advance the College’s mission of improving the human condition.
Collectively, these faculty members represent expertise spanning maternal health, intimate partner violence, child welfare, behavioral health, online education, doctoral education, workforce development and criminal justice. Their promotions recognize years of dedication to students, scholarship, community engagement and the social work profession.
Faculty receiving promotions include:
- Dr. Amanda Brown, promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor
- Dr. Laneshia Conner, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
- Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff, promoted to Clinical Associate Professor
- Dr. Shelita Jackson, promoted to Clinical Associate Professor
- Dr. Aubrey Jones, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
- Dr. Stephanie Ratliff, promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor
- Dr. Kathryn Showalter, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
“These promotions reflect the exceptional talent, leadership and impact of our faculty,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, associate dean of faculty advancement at CoSW. “Each of these individuals has made meaningful contributions through their teaching, scholarship, service and commitment to student success. Together, they represent the strength of our College and our continued investment in advancing education, research and service that improves lives.”
The appointments are effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Laneshia Conner was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure. Her work spans community health, aging, HIV prevention and culturally responsive health education, with a focus on improving sexual health outcomes and increasing health education and service programs among aging populations.
Dr. Aubrey Jones was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure. Her scholarship focuses on maternal and child health, behavioral health systems, access to care and rural health disparities, including technology-driven interventions that improve access to postpartum support and health care services for women and families.
Dr. Kathryn Showalter was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure. Her research examines intimate partner violence, family well-being, housing insecurity and social policy, helping advance understanding of the systems and supports that promote safety and stability for women, children and families.
Dr. Shelita Jackson was promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor. As director of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program, she continues to expand opportunities for students through mentorship, workforce development and research engagement, including the creation of the college’s Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program and support for the S.P.A.R.K. undergraduate research mentoring initiative.
Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff was promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor. As director of the college’s Doctor of Social Work program, she has helped expand the program’s national reach, strengthen doctoral education and launch new opportunities, including the college’s Sport Social Work concentration.
Dr. Stephanie Ratliff was promoted from clinical instructor to clinical assistant professor. As director of experiential education, she oversees the college’s practicum education program and has helped expand a network of more than 3,000 practicum partners while supporting the largest practicum cohort in college history.
Dr. Amanda Brown was promoted from clinical instructor to clinical assistant professor. As director of the Master of Social Work program, she has helped strengthen graduate education through Quality Matters certification initiatives, graduate certificate development and innovative workforce-focused programming.
Together, these faculty members have secured national awards, led innovative academic programs, published impactful scholarship, expanded workforce development initiatives, improved online learning and educational accessibility and mentored countless students pursuing careers in social work and criminal justice.
Their achievements reflect the breadth and depth of the College’s impact – from advancing research that informs policy and improves lives to preparing the next generation of practitioners, leaders and scholars.
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Conner, Jones, Showalter, Jackson, Escobar-Ratliff, Ratliff and Brown on their well-deserved promotions.