LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Dr. Glenn Sterner, in partnership with Penn State University, is hosting a conversation with US Representative Madeline Dean and ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler, discussing substance use disorder and addressing the stigma around substance use issues.
The conversation, taking place on Penn State’s campus in Abington, Pennsylvania on Monday, Dec. 8, will address substance use issues that face individuals and families across the country. Both Dean and Sisler will share their familial experiences with substance use disorder, as well as ways to overcome the stigma associated with these issues.
“This conversation is vitally important so others know that talking about substance use and the realities of how it impacts individuals, families, and communities helps to reduce stigma toward this medical condition,” notes Sterner. “Stigma remains a significant barrier for those who may need assistance with substance use issues, and partnerships that bridge higher education, policy, and public awareness, like this with Rep. Dean and Ms. Sisler, can help to ensure that our work in higher education is relevant to addressing these issues in practice.”
Sterner, an Associate Professor in Criminal Justice, joined the CoSW in August, 2025, bringing a deep commitment to community-based research and engagement, leading projects that span substance use, human trafficking, gambling, and public safety.
Over the course of his career, Sterner has secured more than $12 million in local, state, and federal grant funding from agencies such as the National Institute of Justice, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Justice, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to address these critical issues in communities across the country.
In addition to research, Sterner has made significant contributions to public health policy and community infrastructure. He was instrumental in the development of Pennsylvania’s strategy for allocating opioid settlement funds and led statewide training initiatives on overdose death reporting. He also created the Story Powered Initiative to combat stigma and co-founded Pennsylvania State University’s Substance Use Stigma Reduction Collaborative.
