LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tia Hollingshead-Styer as an Instructor in the Clinical Title Series. Hollingshead-Styer brings more than 25 years of experience across multiple areas of social work practice, with deep expertise in crisis intervention, public safety, and clinical practice with first responders.
Born and raised in Utah, Hollingshead-Styer has built an expansive career serving many communities and systems including schools, child welfare, geriatrics, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and acute-care medical settings.
As a certified crisis worker, she has played pivotal roles in crisis intervention across emergency departments and community outreach teams, providing lifesaving assessment and intervention while training teams and partners across the region. Her work includes extensive embedded practice with first responders, applying clinical skill within the unique culture of public safety to enhance wellness, resilience, and performance.
For the past several years, Hollingshead-Styer has specialized in clinical services for public safety professionals and their families.
Nationally, she has led trauma-informed programming, facilitated peer-support trainings, directed grant-funded initiatives, and developed the Public Safety Wellness Survey used to inform targeted interventions. Her national work also includes serving as a Subject Matter Expert with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Institute of Intergovernmental Research (SAFLEO), where she consults and delivers specialized training to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Hollingshead-Styer holds a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and a Graduate Certificate in Human Services Management from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of New England, and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences from Utah Valley University, where she was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society.
Her DSW research—The Development of the Police Department Wellness Survey—focused on improving mental health assessments within police departments. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Utah and maintains numerous clinical modality certifications.
Since 2018, she has taught as social work and psychology adjunct faculty at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, and most recently served as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Utah Valley University. In this role, she designed BSW and MSW courses, mentored graduate students, and collaborated on curriculum and program development across multiple committees. Her academic work is complemented by more than a decade of specialized national training and conference presentations related to public safety, trauma, crisis intervention, and mental health.
“The heart of my work has always been helping people find resilience in the hardest moments,” Hollingshead-Styer shared. “Joining the UK College of Social Work allows me to continue strengthening public safety communities while helping students build confidence, competence, and compassion in their practice.”
“Dr. Hollingshead-Styer brings an exceptional blend of clinical expertise, instructional experience, and national leadership in crisis and public safety work,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her perspective enriches our College’s mission and offers invaluable learning opportunities for students preparing for high-impact practice settings.”
Outside of work, Hollingshead-Styer enjoys adventuring with her husband, riding motorcycles, collecting vinyl albums, attending small-venue live music, and honing her woodworking skills. She welcomed the arrival of her first grandbaby in December—and proudly notes she may be one of the few people most will meet who doesn’t like pizza or soda.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Tia Hollingshead-Styer to the College of Social Work community!
