LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two members of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work community have been recognized through the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards, one of the university’s most respected honors celebrating individuals who advance the well-being and leadership of women at UK and across the Commonwealth.
This year’s honorees from the College of Social Work are:
- Rhyan Banas, recipient of the Staff Award
- Aniyah Maxey, recipient of the 30 Under 30 Award
The honorees were recognized during today’s 2026 Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon, held in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballrooms.
The Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards, established in 1994 by the University of Kentucky Wildcat Forum, recognize faculty, staff, students and teams who promote the growth and well-being through their work, leadership and service.
The award is named for Sarah Bennett Holmes, a distinguished former dean of women at UK who championed the rights and advancement of women throughout her career. Widowed early in life, Holmes raised four children while completing her education before beginning a successful career at the university. She inspired generations of women to persevere through hardship and pursue their professional goals. Among her many accomplishments, Holmes developed work programs for women during the Great Depression.
Today, the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards honor members of the UK community who reflect Holmes’ enduring legacy of advocacy, leadership and empowerment.
Rhyan Banas – Staff Award
Rhyan Banas serves as Academic Project Manager at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, where she leads the coordination and execution of complex academic, research and administrative initiatives. Her work spans multiple units, supporting strategic priorities, program accreditation and operational alignment across the college.
In her role, Banas oversees projects from planning through completion, managing timelines, budgets and compliance requirements while coordinating multidisciplinary teams. She navigates complex logistics—including university compliance requirements and cross-functional collaboration—ensuring initiatives are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Banas works closely with faculty, staff and leadership to advance key priorities, helping align programs and projects with the college’s mission to strengthen communities and support students pursuing careers in social work and criminal justice.
Through her commitment to collaboration, organization and service, Banas plays a vital role in driving initiatives that create meaningful impact across the college and the communities it serves.
Aniyah Maxey – 30 Under 30
Aniyah Maxey is a Bachelor of Social Work (BASW) student at the UK College of Social Work who has distinguished herself as a student leader committed to service, advocacy and community impact.
Maxey is a Child Welfare Preparation (CW Prep) Scholar, preparing for a career supporting children and families involved in Kentucky’s child welfare system. Her dedication to service and leadership on campus has already earned her multiple recognitions, including the Lyman T. Johnson (LTJ) Torch of Excellence Award, which celebrates students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a commitment to advancing inclusion.
Maxey’s work reflects a deep commitment to uplifting others and contributing to stronger systems of support for families and communities. The Sarah Bennett Holmes 30 Under 30 Award further recognizes her leadership and the positive impact she is making both within the university community and beyond.
The College of Social Work congratulates both honorees for their leadership and contributions, which reflect the spirit of the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards and the ongoing work to empower women across the University of Kentucky community.
