Greetings SWAA!

I hope you are doing well.

As we reach the end of 2025, I find myself reflecting with immense pride and gratitude on all we’ve accomplished together this year. From our SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program to the celebration of our inaugural Criminal Justice Graduating class, each milestone has affirmed the strength, generosity, and commitment of our College of Social Work community. 

Our alumni continue to be a powerful force for good. Whether mentoring current students, contributing to career readiness initiatives, or participating in events, your engagement is helping to shape a new generation of ethical, skilled, and resilient leaders. You’ve shown that alumni involvement is not simply a reflection of where we’ve been--it’s a driving force in where we’re headed.

The coming months hold even more opportunities to connect and contribute, including our upcoming Annual Engagement Survey. We hope you’ll find moments to re-engage, reconnect, and reignite your passion for this community.  

Your experiences matter.  

Your voices matter.

Your continued support ensures that the College of Social Work remains a place where purpose meets practice. 

Thank you for all you do to support our mission, elevate our students, and represent the College with distinction. 

With gratitude, 

J. Jay Miller, PhD, MSW, CSW 
Dean and Dorothy A. Miller Research Professor 
College of Social Work 
University of Kentucky

Victoria Collins
Director of Criminal Justice Programs
Victoria.Collins1@uky.edu
--
641 Patterson Office Tower Lexington, KY 40506

As the inaugural Director of Criminal Justice (CJ)  Programs, Collins leads the strategic growth and academic direction of the College’s undergraduate and graduate CJ programs. 

Ramla Osman
Director of Philanthropy
Ramla.Osman@uky.edu

As Director of Philanthropy, Ramla Osman works to strengthen the bond between the College and its alumni, friends, and supporters. She leads efforts to connect individuals with opportunities to give back in meaningful ways—whether through scholarships, program support, or legacy gifts—ensuring that future generations of Wildcats have the resources they need to thrive.

The SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program completed another successful year in Spring 2025, and is gearing up for the Spring 2026 cohort!

To ensure all interested students can participate, we are asking all alumni to consider applying to be a mentor!

Hear first-hand as Kimberly Emeric and Glenn Means, a Spring 2025 match, discuss what the program has meant to them.

The College of Social Work celebrated May and August 2025 graduates at UK Alumni Association’s Grad Gathering and a Graduation Celebration on May 9, 2025.

Congratulations to these graduates, and welcome to membership in SWAA!

A First-of-Its-Kind Concentration, Designed for Impact

UK’s new DSW concentration in Sport Social Work is the first in the nation—preparing doctoral students to lead where athletics, equity, and mental health intersect.

Moving Forward, Looking Back is an alumni spotlight series celebrating generations of College of Social Work graduates who have shaped the field and strengthened communities.

Spearheaded by Ramla Osman, Director of Philanthropy, this initiative honors the profound impact of our alumni across eras, disciplines, and geographies. We invite you to be part of this archive-in-the-making!

From Kentucky to Tokyo: Patricia Givens Legacy

Long before globalization was a buzzword, Pat Givens was living it—serving communities across the world with empathy and insight. From child welfare in postwar Japan to international diplomacy in Boston, she facilitated deeper understanding between countries, communities, and individuals.

Finding a Home: Bill Beaven leaves quiet legacy for communities across the southeast

Education has always been central to Bill Beaven’s mission of helping others. The first in his family to graduate from college, he created three scholarships at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work—the Beaven-Eidetik Doctoral Scholarship, the Beaven-Eidetik Graduate Scholarship, and the June Ashby Scholarship. These funds continue Beaven’s lifelong work of opening doors for others.

Linda Uebel, MSW ’81

📍 Cincinnati, OH

I was a student in the very first MSW program offered at NKU! Living and working full-time in Cincinnati while driving to classes two evenings a week for two years was quite a challenge—but I was determined to get my MSW.

I've had an amazing career in both clinical and administrative social work, and I will soon retire from part-time private practice. Two of my three children also graduated from UK and have gone on to build successful careers.

I'm truly thankful for UK’s off-site MSW program—it gave me the flexibility I needed during that chapter of life. While I didn’t get the traditional campus experience, the opportunity to earn my MSW while working full-time made all the difference.

Loved the UK College of Social Work!

Arty Fitzpatrick, MSW ’23

📍 Lexington, KY

I’m now the main coordinator for the Neurodiverse Educational Social Initiative (NESI) here at the University of Kentucky!

I’ve truly loved my work as an accommodations consultant at the Disability Resource Center—and now I get to go the extra mile to empower neurodiverse students and create a vibrant community, thanks to the skills I gained in my MSW program.

We had a fabulous academic year supporting the ‘24–‘25 NESI cohort. This spring, we followed along as the first autistic Survivor contestant proved we can do anything we set our minds to. Two NESI members graduated and landed new jobs after deep conversations with our group!

I’m excited for the future of NESI and proud to be part of a space that supports both neurodiverse students and staff.

We want your feedback!

Complete this brief survey about the Fall 2025 SWAA Newsletter for a chance to receive CoSW swag!

Deadline to enter is December 1