LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie Ratliff, Ph.D., to clinical assistant professor, recognizing her ongoing leadership in preparing future social workers, strengthening Kentucky’s behavioral health and child welfare workforce, and advancing research that supports survivors and vulnerable communities.
A native of Eastern Kentucky, Ratliff has built a career dedicated to strengthening the social work workforce and advancing knowledge that improves support systems for children, families and survivors navigating complex needs. Her scholarship centers on child welfare practice, intimate partner violence, substance use and implementation science, with a particular focus on improving services for survivors and strengthening professional education for future social workers.
“Dr. Ratliff has devoted her career to preparing the next generation of social workers while advancing research that addresses some of our communities’ most pressing challenges,” said Jackie Duron, Ph.D, associate dean of faculty advancement at CoSW. “Her leadership in experiential education, commitment to student success and growing body of scholarship exemplify the impact we strive to make through teaching, research and service.”
Ratliff currently serves as director of Experiential Education, overseeing CoSW’s vast practicum education experiences that prepare students for professional social work practice. Prior to assuming this role, she directed the College’s Credit for Learning (CFL) Program and Graduate Child Welfare Practice Certificate, helping strengthen workforce pipelines and expand access to advanced training opportunities for social workers across Kentucky.
Under her leadership, CoSW recently enrolled the largest practicum cohort in College history, creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in communities across the nation. Ratliff has also played a key role in expanding the college’s network of more than 3,000 practicum partners, supporting placements across undergraduate and graduate programs that connect students with meaningful learning experiences while helping address critical workforce needs.
“Practicum education is where everything comes together,” said Ratliff. “It’s not just about skill-building; it’s about creating space for students to reflect, grow and learn from both successes and mistakes.”
In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, Ratliff has developed a growing research portfolio focused on improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence and substance use. Her work examines how organizations implement evidence-informed practices and how service systems can better respond to individuals with complex and intersecting needs.
In 2024, Ratliff earned her PhD in Social Work from the CoSW. Her dissertation, “What’s Harm Reduction Got to Do With It? A Study of the Implementation of Substance Use Management Practices Among a Sample of U.S. Domestic Violence Shelters,” explored how domestic violence programs across the United States support survivors who use substances.
Drawing from a national sample of domestic violence programs, Ratliff’s dissertation identified both challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of substance use management and harm reduction practices. Her findings highlighted the need for stronger organizational frameworks, improved data collection and increased capacity to better support survivors navigating both intimate partner violence and substance use.
“Social work teaches you to be brave and use your voice,” Ratliff said. “Research is a way to advocate for those who often go unheard. It’s about finding the courage to speak up and take risks.”
Beyond her dissertation work, Ratliff has contributed to research and training initiatives that strengthen child welfare practice, social work education and interdisciplinary responses to intimate partner violence. Her scholarship and practice innovations have been presented at national conferences, including the American Public Health Association, the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors and the Council on Social Work Education.
Through collaborations with state agencies, higher education institutions and community organizations, Ratliff’s work has helped strengthen social service systems and expand opportunities for current and future practitioners.
Stephanie Ratliff’s leadership, teaching and scholarship continues to advance the College’s mission of improving the human condition. Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved promotion.