Greetings CoSW Alumni!

I hope this message finds you well and safe.

As is the case at the end of every fiscal year, I find myself in a state of deep reflection. For me, this is always a time to critically assess what has been, appreciate what is, and optimistically examine all that is to be.

As I assess what has been –2022-2023 was a phenomenal year for CoSW. In May, we saw a record number of students actualize their possibility by receiving their social work degrees. The CoSW research folio continued to grow, allowing us to make a difference in the lives of people around state, nation, and world. CoSW faculty received several national and international awards and recognitions for their work. Our centers and labs served over 50,000 individuals throughout the Commonwealth. These achievements, and others, crystalize our enduring commitment to advancing the CoSW mission. 

In terms of appreciating what is – I cannot express how excited I am about the formation of the College of Social Work Alumni Association, or SWAA. SWAA was officially formed in September 2022. And, they have been busy ever since! Here are but a few highlights: 

Now, what is to be?

As we continue to make progress towards actualizing our Forward, Together Plan, we appreciate your continued engagement. As you know, your involvement is crucial to advancing our alumni efforts. I look forward to connecting with you about new alumni initiatives and news from CoSW.

As always, I welcome your input and offer my support. If there is anything that I can do for you, please email me at Justin.Miller1@uky.edu. Or, you can reach me by phone at (859) 257-5740. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please email Xana Plum at xana.plum@uky.edu. 

Always remember, never forget: SOCIAL WORK WAS BUILT FOR THIS.

J. Jay Miller, Ph.D., MSW, CSW

Dean and Dorothy A. Miller Research Professor in Social Work Education, College of Social Work
Acting Director, UK Online

University of Kentucky

Twitter: @DrJayMiller1

At the beginning of this year, SWAA introduced the first cohort of the Alumni-Student Mentoring Program, an initiative designed to match current CoSW student mentees with alumni mentors in order to promote purposeful, one-on-one relationships.

A total of 62 pairs completed the pilot program, which included 62 student mentees and 57 alumni mentors that were spread across 27 states and two countries. 

The College of Social Work celebrated May and August 2023 graduates at the UK Alumni Association’s Grad Gathering and a Graduation Reception on
May 5.

A record number of degrees were conferred!

Congratulations to these graduates, and welcome to membership in SWAA! We look forward to your continued contributions to the college and to the field of social work.

Tamara, a 2023 MSW graduate and foster care alum, reflects on her experiences and aspirations in a timely op-ed.

Shelagh, a 2020 PhD graduate, returned to the classroom 30 years after completing the MSW program.

Wildcat Network is the place to be for CoSW Alumni!

Connect with CoSW alumni across the globe, stay engaged with UK, and access a wide array of benefits including networking, mentoring, special events, alumni opportunities, and more.

On February 22, 1865, John Bryan Bowman founded the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky University – now known as the University of Kentucky. In celebration of the 158th Founders Day, the College of Social Work participated in UKAA’s Founders Day Festival on February 22, 2023. The college hosted a 1980’s themed booth, including the Ms. Pac-Man arcade game!

2023 marks the 135th anniversary of UK’s first female graduate, Belle C. Gunn, who graduated in 1888. UKAA is marking this anniversary with a year of celebrations, which commenced with the 135 Years of UK Women Luncheon on March 2, 2023. The College of Social Work was proud to serve as a sponsor of the luncheon, which included a panel discussion. Laneshia Conner, Assistant Professor and BASW Class of 2002, was a featured panelist.

In addition, several CoSW women have been featured as part of UKAA’s social media campaign. Features thus far include Vernon Elizabeth Dodson (UK’s first social work graduate), Virginia Marsh Bell, and Dr. Elaine Wilson.

The UK Black Alumni Reunion was held April 13-15, 2023, and was attended by several CoSW alumni. The college was proud to provide swag for all participants in the attendee giveaway bag.

In March 2023, SWAA celebrated National Social Work Month. Designated as such for nearly 40 years, many find the month a time to contemplate and celebrate the significant impact of social work practitioners, educators, researchers, and students.

CoSW alumni are integral to the field of social work, both now and in the future. Therefore, during National Social Work Month, SWAA sought to honor and thank our alumni by offering a free online continuing education course as well as opening the CoSW Pop-Up Shop.

As well, the college sought to thank social workers at UK, hosting appreciation events at several campus and UK HealthCare locations.

Looking for a new professional opportunity?
Know of a job opening that would be perfect for CoSW alumni?

If you are planning to attend the Council of Social Work Education’s Annual Program Meeting (APM) in Atlanta, Georgia from October 26-29, 2023, please plan to stop by our exhibition hall booth to pick up a special CoSW alumni gift!

Please note that completion of this form does not register you for CSWE APM. Registration for CSWE APM must be completed via the CSWE meeting website.

We're currently running our first SWAA Summer Self-Care Challenge! Participants are asked to complete a screener, submit a plan to meet their self-care goals, and create space for self-care in their daily lives. 

Whether or not you're participating in the challenge, we encourage you to make room for well-being in your life - we know that helping professions such as social work can lead to increased levels of stress and burnout. 

Visit our social media pages below and use #SWSelfCareChallenge to follow along! 

Raven Brownlee, MSW Class of 2023

 Raven has begun a position as a mental health therapist at Youth Villages and is working toward licensure. Raven is also working to establish a nonprofit organization.

Shalonda Gregory, BASW Class of 2002

Shalonda completed their second year as the principal of MetWest High School, A Big Picture Learning School, in Oakland, California and is the first person of color to lead the school.

Janey Huff, MSW Class of 2003

Janey provides trauma-informed care at Sterling Health Care and is currently working toward certification in EMDR and TF-CBT.

Jennifer Mosley, MSW Class of 2022

Jennifer has transitioned to an inpatient social work position with UK HealthCare and has also begun a position as a therapist with InTrust Healthcare. Jennifer is currently pursuing a DSW at the University of Kentucky and is also working toward licensure.

Faith Washington, MSW Class of 2022

Faith passed the CSW exam in December 2022 and anticipates starting supervision.

Alexis Weston, MSW Class of 2023

Alexis has begun a position as a trauma therapist specializing in child maltreatment. Alexis has also published multiple mental health journals and children’s books (available on Amazon under “Lexi Weston”) related to mental health and the social work field.

Elaine Wilson, BASW Class of 1968, DSW Class of 2023

Elaine received her DSW from the University of Kentucky in May 2023.

Complete a brief survey regarding this SWAA Newsletter for a chance to receive CoSW swag!

Have questions about this newsletter or other SWAA matters? Contact Anna Chalfant, Director of Strategic Operations, at anna.chalfant@uky.edu. 

Please submit your feedback by August 31 to be entered into the drawing.