University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Join us in congratulating Stephanie Ratliff, Ph.D., for being promoted to clinical assistant professor!

As both a professor and director of experiential education, Ratliff has helped develop the college’s network of over 3,000 practicum partners - expanding opportunities for the next generation of social work and criminal justice professionals and supporting countless communities nationwide.
Under her leadership, CoSW enrolled the largest practicum cohort in the College’s history.​

Outside of education and contributions to experiential learning, Ratliff has a growing research portfolio focused on supporting children and families affected by Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). She’s contributed to multiple workforce development initiatives spanning workforce education, child welfare, violence prevention and varying approaches to supporting vulnerable populations. She’s presented her findings at the Council on
Social Work Education (CSWE) and other national conferences. ​

Congratulations on this promotion, Stephanie! We’re eager to see how you continue advancing opportunities for students, communities, and workforces - in the Commonwealth and beyond!​

To read more about Ratliff and her work, click here: https://ukcosw.com/4xzjPlD

*Note: New faculty promotions will take effect July 1, 2026*

We're so proud of our Army-UK MSW Program faculty and students who were recognized at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Graduate School Research & Education Symposium (GSRES) at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

Among those honored were 1LT Kevin Kwon, who received the student Impact Award for his research, and Dexter Freeman, DSW, associate professor, who received the Faculty Member of the Year award for the Army-UK MSW Program.

Read more about our Army-UK MSW Program, the GSRES and the meaningful achievements of our faculty and students, here: https://ukcosw.com/4oxAfXC
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For criminal justice student Tyler Gonzalez, textbook topics became every day reality during his internship last semester with the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF).

This competitive federal law enforcement internship program allowed him the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the real world: reviewing digital evidence, examining recorded phone calls, and observing the teamwork and coordination necessary for field operations.

Victoria Collins, Ph.D., executive director and chair of CoSW's criminal justice programs, said Gonzalez’s accomplishments are attributed to both his own hard work, as well as the college's rigorous and rewarding criminal justice programs.

“Gonzalez has an incredible work ethic, character and commitment to public service. His internship with the ATF is an impressive and highly competitive opportunity for any student. I am thrilled our program has helped support his journey and expand his experiential learning," said Collins.

Read more about Gonzalez - his internship, educational experience with the CoSW, and next steps, here: https://ukcosw.com/4grhJyb
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Join us in congratulating Laneshia Conner, Ph.D., for being promoted to associate professor with tenure here at !

A nationally-recognized scholar, Conner’s work has received support from multiple prestigious federal agencies, such as the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She most recently was awarded a multi-year grant from the NIA to support her work in improving community health among aging adults.

Among her achievements are being selected as a TEDx speaker, receiving UK’s Lyman T. Johnson Award, being named a 2025 mentor for CSWE, and receiving recognition from the Society for Social Work and Research.

To read more about Conner and her work, click here: https://ukcosw.com/4ebTR0b

*Note: promotions will take effect July 1, 2026*

Thankful for a week of learning, growth, connection, and community. 🍃🫂

We're grateful to have attended the 2026 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Convention to learn and connect with the hearing loss community, where our assistant professor Dr. Kristel Scoresby presented on generational hearing loss with her mother and son - all of whom are deaf and/or hard-of-hearing.

After the conference day wrapped up on Thursday, we had a great time with our faculty, staff, alumni, and students during the Louisville connection event!

Thank you to the HLAA, as well as our staff and faculty for your hard work, research, and planning!
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Our next Transfer Tuesday is tomorrow - are you ready to apply?

These are the only days transfer students get to apply for free, so don't miss it!
Be sure to send in an application before time runs out (and maybe send this post to your friends who are thinking of transferring too)!

Find more information on transfers and our programs with this link: https://ukcosw.com/4dogzSf
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Hey clinicians, clinical social workers, and therapists: looking to earn a few CE hours while learning valuable information to further support your clients?
Join us for our in-person training on Thursday!

"Hands on Treatment for Anxiety Disorders" is a training designed to help professionals identify the different types of anxiety disorders, recognize these disorders in clients, and develop strategies for addressing symptoms and creating treatment plans.

When: Thurs., June 18
Time: 1-4:15pm (EST)
Where: Coldstream Office 4th floor, 1648 McGrathiana Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511
Hours: 3 ACE Credit Hours
Cost $60
*This training has also been approved for KY PSY CEUs.*

Learn more and sign up with this link: https://ukcosw.com/43yC1xZ
Registration closes on June 17.
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Join us in congratulating Dr. Kathryn Showalter for being promoted to associate professor with tenure here at !​

Through her research and dedication to children and women's safety, Dr. Showalter has helped spread awareness, shape policy, and strengthen communities during her time with CoSW. ​Her research examines the overlap between poverty, housing insecurity, violence, and social systems, aiming to prevent harm before it happens, and providing long-term safety and stability for survivors and their families. Her work also spans teaching, mentorship, and national service.​

Dr. Showalter has been published in numerous leading journals and has been nationally recognized for her significant contributions to the field; most recently she received the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)’s Violence Against Women and Children Manuscript Award.

Congratulations on this promotion and recognition, Dr. Showalter!​

To read more about her and her work, visit: https://ukcosw.com/4ezFCCk

*Note: faculty promotions take effect July 1, 2026*

Have you registered for our Social Work Essentials Conference yet? Don't miss your chance to earn all of the CEUs needed to complete Kentucky licensure requirements - at the same time!

Our two-day, in-person conference will provide a variety of trainings each day, ultimately awarding attendees 12 KBSW Continuing Education credits at the end!

When: June 24-25
Time: 8:30am-4pm (EST) both days
Where: Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way, Lexington, KY
Cost: $250 per person

Register with this link: https://ukcosw.com/4dTFkWt
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Planning to attend the 2026 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Convention this week?
Don't miss a powerful and moving presentation by our professor, Dr. Kristel Scoresby!

Her presentation, “Listening Through Time: A Family Story of Technology, Adaption, and Resilience” offers the perspectives of several generations of family members navigating varying levels of hearing loss - telling the story of how resilience and identity are formed through time, while highlighting the evolution of hearing assistance technologies.

When: Thurs., June 11 | 2:45-3:45p.m. (EST)
Where: Carroll Ford Room, East Tower 2nd floor | Galt House Hotel Louisville, Kentucky.

Learn more about the convention here: https://ukcosw.com/4urU300
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