LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is making a strong impact at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event, a premier gathering for social work educators, features faculty presentations, community engagement, and interactive exhibitor experiences that highlight the college’s commitment to advancing the field.
This year’s conference coincides with the ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of CoSW’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program accreditation. Since its initial accreditation in 1974, the BASW program has cultivated a strong tradition of social work education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex social issues. Over the past five decades, the program has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the profession while maintaining its dedication to social change, social justice, and impactful practice. The yearlong celebration includes various events, highlighting the program’s legacy and future growth.
Dr. Shelita Jackson, director of the BASW program at UK, is actively engaged throughout the conference. She will deliver opening remarks at the President’s Breakfast and present Assessing Readiness for Practice Utilizing a Positive Intelligence Framework. Her session explores how the positive intelligence framework can be used to evaluate students’ confidence, self-efficacy, and overall preparedness for professional practice.
The Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards outline measures for student learning based on competency mastery; however, no standardized metric exists to assess readiness to practice. Dr. Jackson’s presentation examines how positive intelligence—a concept rooted in mental fitness and resilience—can be leveraged to bridge this gap.
In addition to Dr. Jackson’s contributions, CoSW instructor Lila Elliott is also presenting at the conference. The college’s presence extends beyond academic sessions, with a dynamic exhibit hall booth featuring a pop-a-shot game and CoSW-branded giveaways.
To strengthen connections within the social work community, CoSW is hosting a stakeholder event for alumni, students, and field agencies in the local Las Vegas area. This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity for networking and collaboration among professionals committed to advancing social work education and practice. It also serves as a chance for online students in the region to engage with CoSW in person, fostering a greater sense of community and belonging.
“We have students in all corners of the world,” said Kayla Powell, director of student experience and engagement. “Conferences like this not only allow us to showcase the incredible work being done at CoSW, but they also give us a chance to engage with our students and alumni wherever they are. Strengthening these connections is essential to our mission.”
The CoSW community event will be held at CraftHaus Arts District in Las Vegas on March 14, 2025. All students, alumni and field education partners in the area are invited to join.
