Message from the Dean
Our annual report is called “eVOLve,” representing the consistent change and (mostly) forward growth of our college as a learning organization. Each year, we are seeing signs of successes and new opportunities. We were thrilled to welcome three new senior faculty to our ranks. Drs. Bridget Freisthler, Rubén Parra-Cardona, and Tiffany Washington bring years of experience and expertise as scholars, instructors, practitioners, and leaders to our campus.
We moved into our newly remodeled home on the Knoxville campus on the 5th and 7th floors of Stokely Management Center, and we also reimagined and redecorated our spaces in Nashville as well. Our new spaces are especially welcoming of students, providing group work spaces, wellness rooms, and updated lounges.
We saw great successes on our strategic vision this year. We have more students enrolled, retained, and graduating than ever before, including bringing more students into our college through our innovative partnerships with the state’s community colleges. We continue to reach out to and support alumni through our continuing education, test support, networking, and other opportunities for professional development.
Our faculty, staff, and student research funding continues to increase, moving the needle in areas of disability research, support for immigrant families, and burn care, while the Social Work Office for Research and Public Service (SWORPS) develops even more projects to serve the people of Tennessee. We were thrilled to partner with colleagues in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and Cherokee Health Systems to win the prestigious William T. Grant Institutional
Grant for
health and well-being of local mothers and their children while strengthening the way the university supports this kind of community engaged research.
As we continue to evolve and grow as a college, our faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni each contribute to this work. Each of us has taken up the mantle of “being the change” we wish to see, doing our part—in the office, in the classroom, in the community, and in our lives—to live the college's values and mission into changing the world for the better.
Lori Messinger, Dean
As we continue to evolve and grow as a college, our faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni each contribute to this work.”
— Dr. Lori Messinger Dean of The University of Tennessee College of Social Work
CSW students Dave Lloyd, Caitlin Steele, Grace Rueschlein, and Karley Lenoir-Warren
GRADUATE PROGRAM RANKED AMONG BEST IN COUNTRY
Direct Evidence That Strategic Plan Is Working
BY ANGELA C. THOMAS
In the latest rankings from the U.S. News and World Report, the UT College of Social Work moved from 46th nationally and 30th among public institutions to 24th among all social work programs in the country and 13th among public institutions.
"As many of you know, these rankings are reputational, meaning that they are really based on how our peers see us,” UTCSW Dean Lori Messinger explained. “I see this new ranking as a recognition of all the hard work that we have done over the last few years.”
Following the college’s strategic vision, launched in 2022, faculty, staff, and administrators have taken actions to further institutional commitments to enhancing the workforce, expanding the college’s research impact, engaging stakeholders, ensuring equity, and empowering sustainability Tiffany Harmon, Assistant Dean of Finance, Administrative, and Operations, notes, “We made large investments in the college’s infrastructure and communications, accessibility for students, salary equity for faculty and staff, and facilitating our strong and growing national research presence, and the results are plain to see.”
By remaining steadfast to the commitments laid out in the strategic plan, the college made progress in every area. The impacts of this work reach well past the college into the community, the state, and beyond.
“We are now seen as one of the top 25 schools in the country,” Dean Messinger said. “Everyone should feel proud! I know I am. As a learning organization, we are consistently assessing community needs, new trends, and emerging opportunities to reposition ourselves toward the future. We are seeing increased student success, alumni engagement, research impact, and overall vitality of the college, all of which are reflected in our rankings.”
ABOUT THE U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT RANKINGS
Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, and nursing.
The Best Graduate Schools rankings for Social Work were calculated and published in 2024 based on U.S. News surveys conducted in fall 2023 and early 2024. Two faculty members from 319 social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Board of Accreditation were surveyed (response rate: 39.2%). For each, respondents rated peer programs on a 1-5 scale of academic quality, and rankings were determined by the average of ratings each program received.
We are seeing increased student success, alumni engagement, research impact, and overall vitality of the college, all of which are reflected in our rankings.”
— Dr. Lori Messinger Dean of The University of Tennessee College of Social Work
A COLLEGE ON
THE
RISE
FY 2024-2025
STRATEGIC GOALS PROGRESS REPORT
In 2022, the UT College of Social Work launched a strategic vision for our future. Our commitments included enhancing the workforce, expanding our impact, engaging stakeholders, ensuring equity, and empowering sustainability.
Here are a few highlights that showcase our progress in each area.
INNOVATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS AND UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE ACCOMPANY NEW FACULTY
By Angela C. Thomas
Dr. Bridget Freisthler joined the UTCSW as the new Cooper-Herron Endowed Professor in mental health. This professorship was established through the generosity of long-time College of Social Work supporters Susan Cooper and Dr. Freida Herron. Freisthler comes to the UTCSW from Ohio State University.
The UT College of Social Work welcomed three exceptional faculty members: DR. RUBÉN
PARRA-CARDONA , Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair; DR. BRIDGET
FREISTHLER, CooperHerron Endowed Professor in mental health; and DR. TIFFANY WASHINGTON, Associate Professor (health specialization). These faculty brought innovative contributions and unparalleled expertise in each of their respective fields.
Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona was hired as the first Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair. This prestigious position was made possible through a generous $2 million donation from Phillip and Janet Lawson in honor of the legacy of Roger Nooe and his wife, Carol. Parra-Cardona came to UT from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a professor and the Associate Dean for Global Engagement at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
Parra-Cardona’s journey from public service in child welfare programs in Mexico to the Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair is a testament to his true passion for helping others and his unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Originally from Mexico, he embarked on a transformative path that led him to earn a degree in psychology from ITESO University in Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in couple and family therapy from Syracuse University and Texas Tech University, respectively.
“It is an exceptional honor to be the inaugural Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair at the University of Tennessee and to focus on incredibly important social justice issues found on Rocky Top, in the state of Tennessee, and around the world,” Parra-Cardona stated. “This is a critical time in our country to focus on mental health practices, and as the Nooe chair, I look forward to building upon the many successes of a top college of social work.”
Growing up in a small rural Ohio town, Freisthler was a first-generation college graduate. Not fully understanding what social work was about, she started out pursuing clinical psychology. “I thought clinical psychology was my path but was paired with a mentor my first year of undergrad who was chair of the Sociology program and told me I think ‘too big’ to be a psychologist,” she said. “What he meant, I realized, is that I looked at systems and communities, not just individuals. Social work seemed like a nice balance between the two.”
Her recent research focuses on reducing trauma symptoms and preventing additional trauma related to parental drug use among families involved in the child welfare system. Additionally, she looks at the context of substance use and parenting to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions to prevent and reduce problems that arise from early adversity and trauma.
Dr. Tiffany Washington was hired as a new Associate Professor (health specialization) and came to the UTCSW from the University of Georgia School of Social Work, where she served as an associate professor with tenure.
Born in Connecticut and raised in rural North Carolina, Washington was a first-generation college student. After working as a receptionist at a counseling agency during her senior year in college, Washington realized that a graduate degree in social work could be her pathway into a mental health career.
Washington’s main area of research is health social work. “I am interested in designing behavioral interventions that social workers can implement in their respective healthcare and communitybased settings with disadvantaged older adults, family caregivers, and individuals living with chronic conditions,” she explained. “I also focus on implementation barriers and facilitators that impact the uptake of interventions in those settings.”
The addition of these three senior faculty marks one of the most significant hiring endeavors in recent years. These remarkable researchers bring a wealth of experience, enhancing our already stellar team of faculty and staff. We are truly a college on the rise."
— Dr. Lori Messinger Dean of The
University of Tennessee College of Social Work
THE NEXT CHAPTER:
MOVING TO STOKELY MANAGEMENT CENTER
The UTCSW
Shines in Its New HOME SWEET HOME
By Angela C. Thomas
(L to R): Dean Lori Messinger and local artist Heather Whiteside pose in front of the portrait of Henson Hall.
After months of planning and preparation, the UT College of Social Work opened its newly logo-bearing doors to alumni, donors, students, friends, and community members, offering a peek inside the new “temporary” home of the college. The college has claimed the fifth and seventh floors of Stokely Management Center (SMC), creating a home for superior learning and teaching after residing in Henson Hall for the past four decades. Henson Hall was recently demolished along with Dunford Hall and Greve Hall to make room for a new Haslam College of Business building. (Read more about that here: https://csw.utk.edu/alumni/ farewell-tohenson-hall/).
Since June 2024, there has been a flurry of activity in SMC, including creating new student work and study spaces, renovating classrooms and offices, creating graphics that represent the college brand, including a timeline that highlights social welfare history and the crucial moments in the history of the UTCSW. The results have been remarkable.
The Business Office and the Communications Team worked closely with the Dean to create the new space. Tiffany Harmon, Assistant Dean of Finance, Administrative, and Operations, managed the transition from day one. “I am so proud of how the new space looks,” Harmon noted. “It went from dull and dated to bright, airy, and full of positive energy, reflecting the momentum found in our academic programs, research, and community engagement that propelled the UTCSW to our recent ranking as a top 25 college of social work. The staff and faculty really
pulled together to make it happen, and we could not be more pleased.”
To reflect this productive energy, the college hosted a day of celebration and learning early in the fall semester. The events throughout the day offered something for everyone.
The day started with a Youth Mental Health Forum, where UTCSW Board of Visitors member Altha Stewart, M.D., gave a keynote address entitled “A Framework for Achieving Mental Health Equity for Youth: Moving from Information Sharing to Empowerment through Service, Education, Research, and Community Engagement.” Dr. Stewart, Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement at UT Health Science Center (UTHSC), Associate Professor and Chief of Social/Community Psychiatry, and Director of the Center for Youth Advocacy and Well-Being at the UTHSC, discussed lessons learned from her work, working to strengthen youth mental health services in Memphis, specifically through the Center for Youth Advocacy and Well-Being.
A Community Partners Networking Roundtable followed, allowing faculty and staff the opportunity to network with various community partners whose work centered around youth mental health. Partners included the City of Knoxville, AIMHiTN, McNabb Center, Emerald Youth, Harmony Family Center, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, UTK Psych Clinic, and Vine Clinic, among others. The day culminated with an open house in the new home of the College of Social Work. Guests toured the fifth and seventh floors and enjoyed light hors
I am so proud of how the new space looks. It went from dull and dated to bright, airy, and full of positive energy, reflecting the momentum found in our academic programs, research, and community engagement that propelled the UTCSW to our recent ranking as a top 25 college of social work .”
— Tiffany Harmon, Assistant Dean of Finance, Administrative, and Operations
d’oeuvres, refreshments, and entertainment. The highlight of the night was the unveiling of a painting of Henson Hall, commissioned from local artist Heather Whiteside of Whiteside Art.
“For many people, the College of Social Work was synonymous with Henson Hall,” Dean Lori Messinger explained. “So, to honor the past, we commissioned a painting of Henson Hall. Heather managed to capture the essence of the building, allowing us to reflect on the past while looking forward and embracing the exciting future we have here. It’s been such an emotional and exciting journey, and we will continue to work to give our students the best experience possible.”
COLLEGE ACCOLADES
The year 2024 witnessed the UT College of Social Work elevating its performance to extraordinary levels, accomplishing impressive milestones that redefine standards of excellence. Here are a few key achievements: College of Social Work and CEHHS Combine
Efforts with
UT College of Social Work Strikes First of Its Kind Partnership with Community Colleges Across the State of Tennessee, Allowing for Guaranteed and Priority Admission
A UTCSW Collaboration with HOLA Lakeway Introduces a Groundbreaking Initiative
UT College of Social Work Now Offering Postgraduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership
Student Success at the UTCSW Leads to a 94% Retention Rate
The Division of Student Success at UT works to engage each scholar’s experience by supporting their unique strengths and goals. By working with UT faculty and staff, Student Success helps each scholar understand how their strengths contribute to their academic dreams, career paths, and personal well-being.
The UTCSW Office of Student Success and Advising adheres to the same mission as the larger university. At the college level, the team consisting of Director Amanda Gandy, Advisor Bee Clevenger, Advisor
Margaret Huffstetler, Advisor Kristin Pearson, and Student Success Coordinator Gina Middleton, bring very different strengths to their work with students.
The Student Success team works as champions for the students, supporting them through complex challenges and celebrating their successes. The team supports BSSW and MSSW students with an individualized approach, assigning each student in the program to one advisor. To assist the PhD and DSW students, the focus is on bringing in expert programming to support their academic and professional aspirations.
The outcome of this team’s dedication and individualized approach is a 94% retention rate among BSSW and MSSW students, one of the highest retention rates on campus. This is a prime example of implementing structures and practices that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.
Two UTCSW PhD Students
Awarded the 2024 Initiative for Cross-Institutional Student Collaboration Grant
UTCSW PhD Students Kenyette Garrett and Chesney Ward were awarded the 2024 Initiative for Cross-Institutional Student Collaboration grant from the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) for the project entitled Count on Me: An exploration of the factors that shape perceptions of social support among Black women in social work research doctoral programs.
The students were recognized at the GADE Annual Reception at the 2024 Society of Social Work and Research (SSWR) Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
The GADE in Social Work Board of Directors noted how impressed they were with Garrett and Ward’s proposal and its implications for social work doctoral education. The PhD students look forward to engaging with colleagues to develop strategies to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in social work doctoral programs.
College of Social Work Third Annual eVOLve Conference Breaks Records for In-Person and Virtual Attendance
The third annual College of Social Work Conference: eVOLve Be the Change was a huge success, breaking records for attendance both in-person and virtually.
The 2024 conference boasted over 336 in-person attendees, hailing from eight different states and over 500 virtual participants, logging in from 17 states and Canada, thus making this conference an international event. The conference offered 13 free sessions and 16 speakers, relied on over 40 volunteers, and allowed each participant to earn up to 4.5 free CEUs.
In addition to multiple breakout sessions, over 15 college community partner organizations participated in the Community Partner Mingle, allowing participants to network and learn more about the organizations’ missions and services they offer, as well as to learn of open positions within the companies.
The UTCSW recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with community colleges across the state, allowing community college graduates with a degree in social work who meet certain requirements to receive guaranteed admission or priority admission to the UTCSW beginning with the fall 2025 application cycle.
Guaranteed admission is designed to provide a guaranteed admission pathway for community college graduates who want to continue their education and get a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree in the Online BSSW Program. Students not qualifying for guaranteed admission may qualify for priority admission. Priority admission is another transfer admission pathway whereby community college students who meet qualifications would be considered before those students seeking admission through the regular admission process.
The UTCSW is collaborating with HOLA Lakeway to introduce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing family dynamics and communication skills.
The Strengthening Family Program (Familias Fuertes) is designed for youth aged 10-14 and their parents, offering support and resources to strengthen family bonds.
Led by UTCSW Associate Professor Dr. Mary Held and PhD Student Eliza Galvez, along with Associate Dean Dr. Doug Coatsworth and Associate Professor Dr. Rob Lucio, the team understands the importance of partnerships that can make a significant difference in people’s lives.
The program's pilot phase began in April 2024, marking the beginning of a transformative journey towards stronger family relationships and enhanced communication skills.
Three prestigious awards were given to very deserving alumni and friends:
OUTSTANDING
ALUMNUS AWARD
Erica Gentry, MSSW ‘10, Franklin, TN
Lisa Higginbotham, MSSW ‘09, Norris, TN
THE HEART OF SOCIAL WORK AWARD
Ben Harrington, CEO of the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee for 28 years
LIGHT THE WAY AWARD
Bryant’s Bridge, created by UTCSW alumnus (MSSW ‘98) and former employee Sean Bryant
The UTCSW is now offering an invaluable tool for social workers or those in a related field, providing much-needed information in management, budgeting, resource development, and leadership. The Postgraduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership provides knowledge and skills to enhance leadership abilities in agencies and communities.
Social Workers play integral roles in the leadership and management of nonprofits in areas such as healthcare, environmental justice, social service, behavioral health, and community organizing. Social workers are also engaged in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) doing important work in program development, service innovation, and evaluation strategies. This certificate will prepare participants for social work leadership positions in administration, program development, evaluation, coordination, and outreach. The modules in this course consist of videos, lectures, readings, and quizzes.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership can be taken as a whole or purchased as individual modules.
Discounts are available for Active Military, Alumni, and Senior Citizens (15% off); Bulk Orders of two or more (20% off); UT Field Instructor & UT Faculty/Staff (25% off); UT College of Social Work Faculty/Staff (50% off).
THE UTCSW RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE WILLIAM T. GRANT FOUNDATION
The UTCSW and the UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) recently received a grant from the William T. Grant Foundation, which will strengthen the partnership between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Cherokee Health Systems (CHS). UT and CHS, a federally qualified health center, will partner to co-create an implementation science program to train university researchers and health practitioners to conduct and use community-engaged research to serve low-income and minoritized populations.
Betsey Bush Endowed Professor in Behavioral Health and UTCSW Associate Dean for Research Dr. Doug Coatsworth and UTCSW/CEHHS Associate Dean for Engagement Dr. Kristina Gordon have been instrumental throughout the grant process.
“I have known about the challenge grant for years,” Coatsworth explained. “I was involved in planning one while I was at Colorado State University, but ultimately, we did not submit it. For years I thought it would be a good grant to go
They are unique in their particular assets and challenges, and as a result, there is great interest in what we discover about how to best partner together.”
— Dr. Kristina Gordon, UTCSW/CEHHS Associate Dean for Engagement, regarding the partnership between The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Cherokee Health Systems
after here at UT. I had thought about it a few years ago and learned that one of our colleagues in CEHHS was planning to submit one, so held off. When this came up again, Kristi and spoke about it—we learned that our colleague was not going to apply again, so we planned to write and submit it. Kristi took the lead role as PI, and I helped to support her with the meeting with partners at CHS, talking through ideas and modifying ideas, writing drafts, and working through budget items.”
The College of Social Work plays a central role in the grant. The college has leaders on the project, and the UTCSW faculty will be actively involved in shaping the Implementation Science Training Program that will be delivered as part of the grant.
“UT and CHS are full partners in all aspects of the grant," said Coatsworth. “One of the main points of the Institutional Challenge Grant is to develop processes and a way of working together that CHANGES both institutions in positive ways that are sustainable and improve the capacities of the institutions to do the research. All teams of this grant will include members from both organizations. Products will all be cocreated through input from both institutions. It’s a fuller partnership/collaboration than is often found in this kind of work.”
The first year is a planning and development year, which involves developing the training program and planning ways to evaluate it. The second year will bring the first cohort of scholars into the training program. In the third year, implementation and evaluation of the research project for pregnant teens and young adults will take place. Additionally, a second cohort in the training program will be implemented.
“This is a one-of-a-kind academic partnership with a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center,” stated Gordon. “They are unique in their particular assets and challenges, and as a result, there is great interest in what we discover about how to best partner together. In addition, our plan for our training program is also unique and cutting edge in its practitioner focus, which is also generating significant enthusiasm."
Examining Disparities in Alcohol Use
Testing on Burn Patient Admissions: A Call for Association Guidance
Assistant Professor Thereasa Abrams, Professor Bill Nugent, Assistant Professor Andrea Joseph-McCatty, and PhD student Aritra Moulick recently published an article in the Journal of Burn Care & Research titled “Examining Disparities in Alcohol Use Testing on Burn Patient Admissions: A Call for Association Guidance.”
Traumatic burns remain a significant medical concern in the U.S., with recent studies highlighting the increased incidence of care hours and intensity associated with alcohol related emergency department visits. Burn injuries are not just physical but have complex psychosocial implications. How burn care providers approach alcohol screening upon admission can have ramifications on the treatment, outcomes, and the broader perception of equity in care. While the American Burn Association (ABA) emphasizes the importance of evaluating patients for potential premorbid conditions, including alcohol consumption, there has been little research on how admitting burn care providers determine which patients to test for alcohol intoxication on admission. In the present study, data was analyzed from the ABA’s National Burn Repository (NBR) for the years
2008-2017 to ascertain if there were associations between race or ethnicity and decisions to test patients for alcohol use upon admission to an ABA reporting burn center, controlling for other demographics, burn severity (degree/s of burn), and circumstances surrounding burn injuries. The hypothesis was that race and ethnicity were associated with whether burn patients were screened/tested for alcohol intoxication on admission, controlling for other variables related to burn injury. Data reflecting alcohol screening/testing results were not included in the analyses. Findings from this study suggest that provider bias, either implicit or explicit, may have influenced providers’ decisions to screen for alcohol intoxication in NBR-reported cases and that all burn patients would benefit from alcohol screening on admission, given the knowledge that patients’ history of alcohol misuse/abuse has a direct impact on patient outcomes.
Inconsistent evaluation of alcohol intoxication in trauma patients may indicate a lack of protocols and/or provider cognitive biases, both of which can lead to inaccurate assessment and care. Cognitive biases (CB), known as heuristics, are mental shortcuts that
one subconsciously applies to complex situations that make decision-making easier. However, CB-driven choices and tendencies may be factually wrong or potentially suboptimal, with the potential for significant errors. Providers practicing in emergency medicine must make time-sensitive decisions for multiple patients without the benefit of doctor–patient relationships and may be prone to rely on heuristics that incorporate biases and stereotyping with patients who are racial or ethnic minorities. Based on study results, it is proposed that a position statement and/or definitive protocol regarding alcohol testing be initiated by the ABA, the professional organization dedicated to the care of burn injuries, research, education, and prevention, indicating equitable and systematic guidelines for providers when admitting burn trauma patients.
NEW FACULTY & STAFF
The UTCSW welcomed four new faculty members and six new staff hires in 2024.
BRIDGET FREISTHLER, PHD
Cooper-Herron Endowed Professor in Mental Health
This professorship was established through the generosity of long-time College of Social Work supporters Susan Cooper and Dr. Freida Herron. Freisthler came to the UTCSW from Ohio State University.
RUBÉN PARRA-CARDONA, PHD
Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair
AYESHA KELLER, MSSW
Assistant Professor of Practice, Nashville campus
Keller came to the UTCSW from Nashville State Community College, where she was the Social Work Program Chair and an Assistant Professor.
This position was made possible through a generous $2 million donation from Phillip and Janet Lawson in honor of the legacy of Roger Nooe and his wife, Carol. Parra-Cardona came to UT from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a professor and the Associate Dean for Global Engagement at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
TIFFANY WASHINGTON, PHD
Associate Professor (Health Specialization)
Washington came to the UTCSW from the University of Georgia School of Social Work, where she served as an associate professor with tenure.
The media often contact UT College of Social Work faculty members and researchers for their expertise on a variety of topics. Below are a few of their quotes captured by various media outlets throughout the year.
DR. ELIZABETH STRAND , ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ENDOWED CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND FOUNDING DIRECTOR, VETERINARY SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
NEW YORK TIMES
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/health/ pet-death-social-worker.html?unlocked_article_ code=1.2E0.YVny.3Ns8_rMNMFrx&smid=url-share
NEW STAFF HIRES IN THE MEDIA
ABIODUN AJAYI
Instructional Designer, Knoxville campus
SHELLEY BELL
Human Resources Specialist, Knoxville campus
MICHAELA BROYLES
Internal Communications Manager, Knoxville campus
JAY HALEY
Chief of Staff, Knoxville campus
JULIE WILLIAMS
Executive Assistant to the Dean, Knoxville campus
SARAH ZANNINI
Procurement Specialist, Knoxville campus
DR. STACIA WEST , ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR GUARANTEED INCOME
NPR MORNING EDITION
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/05/1233440910/ cash-aid-guaranteed-basicincome-social-safetynet-poverty
Places across the US are testing no-strings cash as part of the social safety net
"They spend the money in ways that everyone does," says Stacia West with the University of Tennessee and a co-founder of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Guaranteed Income Research. "Going to the grocery store, making sure the rent is paid, paying the car note."
She and her co-researcher AMY CASTRO have published peer-reviewed research on several cash aid pilots, including in Stockton, Calif., and are following others around the country. They find that — no surprise — the extra income makes people more financially stable. After about six months of payments, they also start to see "little glimmers of changes in a person's psychology," says West. "We see increases in a person's psychological well-being, so a reduction in psychological distress."
Their job is to help you grieve your pet
“Having a therapist on staff was becoming a selling point for attracting vets and other workers. The industry is a highstress field, and suicide rates among vets are higher than average.”
DR. BILL NUGENT, PROFESSOR
WATE NEWS CHANNEL 6, KNOXVILLE
https://csw.utk.edu/news/csw-professor-andbssw-student-publish-study-on-violent-politicalthetoric-and-suicide-rates/
Violent Political Rhetoric
"Our research explores how violent political rhetoric (VPR) may contribute to increased suicide rate in the United States, with the Southern region showing the strongest connection."
WATE interview is no longer available. To read more about Dr. Nugent's study, please visit our website.
DR. ANDREA JOSEPH-MCCATTY, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR THE CONVERSATION
https://theconversation.com/trauma-informedapproaches-to-discipline-matter-for-equitableand-safe-schooling-222318
Trauma-informed approaches to discipline matter for equitable and safe schooling
“Schools across North America are increasingly implementing policies and practices to reduce suspensions and expulsions. Yet the disproportionate application of school discipline for Black and Indigenous students remains a significant concern.”
“Trauma and adversity can have a significant and negative impact on student outcomes. Due to systemic inequity, trauma and adversity also disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous students.”
DR. ANNE CONWAY, URBAN CHILD INSTITUTE ENDOWED PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
WREG NEWS CHANNEL 3, MEMPHIS
https://wreg.com/news/local/daylight-savingtime-can-take-a-toll-on-kids-mental-health/
Daylight savings time can take a toll on kids’ mental health
“A lot of kids who have social jetlag have issues with obesity, behavior problems, mood symptoms. What we did, we wanted to look at it over time and look at the sex differences over time.”
“We found girls who had more of this social jetlag, more variability in their sleep timing from weekend to weekday, those who had more of that by age 12, long-term at age 15; they had more depressive symptoms and behavior problems and things like that.”
LONG-TIME UTCSW DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
STEPHANIE PIPER RETIRES
Stephanie Piper, Senior Director of Advancement, retired December 1, 2024.
The College of Social Work announced that Stephanie Piper, Senior Director of Advancement, is retiring after 17 years in this role. During Piper’s years of service, the college has charted record growth in endowment, donor relations, board participation, and annual giving.
Highlights include the college’s first five endowed professorships, 23 new scholarships and fellowships, and the establishment of the Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair.
Piper first came to UT after a career as a journalist for newspapers in metro Chicago and Knoxville. She was hired by UT to write publications for the university’s bicentennial. She worked in UT media relations and communications for more than a decade before becoming the development director for the Volunteer Ministry Center. She returned to UT in 2007 as the first full-time Director of Advancement for the College of Social Work.
Since starting the new role in 2007, Piper has seen many changes over the years.
“Our outreach to alumni has increased tremendously, especially with the arrival of Tammy Modic, our Advancement and Alumni Affairs Coordinator,” Piper
explained. “We have more than 8000 living alumni around the country and the world, and for a long time, I was a department of one. Now, we are hosting events statewide and beyond, reaching out through social media with the help of our outstanding communications department, and finding new ways to involve our graduates in the life of the college. Additionally, there has been record growth in our outreach to the community. Events like the eVOLve social work conference and the increase in continuing education opportunities continue to raise our profile.”
Piper noted the expansion of online education as another significant change.
“The College of Social Work was an early adapter of online learning. Our online MSSW started shortly after I arrived and is now our largest degree program. It’s been exciting to see the development of the DSW and BSSW online programs and to meet students from across the state and the country who are taking advantage of these opportunities.”
The awareness and need for social workers in the region and the country has continued to grow. The pandemic contributed to an already burgeoning mental health crisis among children and teens, and social workers provide a substantial percentage of mental health services in this country. “I think an important aspect for the college has been the ability to attract outstanding faculty whose teaching and research focus on timely issues that affect people’s daily lives,” Piper said. “When I began this job in 2007, I was the first full-time director of development for the college. The decision to commit more resources to fundraising has had a positive impact on the growth of our programs and the financial help we can offer our students. Our endowment has grown, our scholarships have multiplied, and we have our firstever endowed professorships and an endowed chair. As our donor base widens, the challenge is to continue to identify transformational opportunities for philanthropy.”
When announcing Piper’s retirement, UTCSW Dean Lori Messinger acknowledged that she and her dedication to the college will be greatly missed. “After more than 17 years with the College of Social Work, Stephanie will be moving on to new adventures as a retiree,” Messinger stated. “I am thrilled for Stephanie, but I know it is a big loss to the college and to me, personally, as Dean. Stephanie was a godsend to me when I came to Tennessee, not knowing a soul in the state and needing to step in to connect with donors and other stakeholders. I owe her a great deal for her help and support.”
When asked what the best part of her job has been over the past 17 years, Piper was quick to note the people. “The best part of my job is bringing together donors with the students and faculty who benefit from their gifts,” she stated. “I love to see the donors’ eyes light up when they hear about a student’s field placement or their plans to change the world. It’s this moment of recognition when potential meets possibility.”
As a former journalist, Piper has always been interested in the story. “I’ve had the opportunity to hear and tell many inspiring stories during my years here,” she noted. “Everything from the accomplishments of our alumni, the courage and determination of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the generosity of our donors. I will miss those stories.”
And when asked what she would not miss, she quipped, “I will not miss dodging the food robots on campus!”
“It has been a joy and a privilege to be part of the College of Social Work for the past 17 years. It is truly a College on the Rise, and I look forward to hearing great things about it in the future!”
Happy Retirement, Stephanie! And thank you for all you have done for the college.
UTCSW Alumni Continue to Be the Change and Lead the Way
JACOB HUFF
MSSW 2024
Jacob Huff (MSSW 2024) embodies what it means to be a Tennessee Vol. Huff recently graduated from the Nashville MSSW program, a feat he managed to accomplish while simultaneously volunteering in war-torn Ukraine.
Huff was born and raised in Nashville and has always been passionate about helping others. When deciding on a graduate degree, Huff said the reputation of the UTCSW program in Nashville made it an easy decision. “I had countless social workers in town, including administrators at large nonprofit agencies, highly recommend the program to me,” he said.
Huff acknowledged that the skills and tools he has learned as part of his macro social work coursework have been valuable to his career. “In our classes, we not only learned macro social work theory on a theoretical level, but we also learned how to apply these skills in real-world settings,” he explained. “My professors assigned insightful readings that were relevant and created assignments that were all centered on application in the field. The comprehensive education we received regarding governmental policies, nonprofit operations, and social systems is important to being a competent macro social worker in today's world.”
While finishing his coursework and focusing on graduation, Huff’s attention suddenly took an unexpected turn. Hearing about the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, Huff felt an overwhelming need to do something to help. Unsure of what impact he could make from his safe and secure Nashville residence, Huff bravely decided to travel to Ukraine to volunteer and help the locals on their terms and on
their turf. “I started doing humanitarian aid work in Ukraine starting in June of 2023, and I returned for six weeks the following December and January during my winter break,” he said. “I was drawn to volunteer work in Ukraine because wanted to support their people in their fight for freedom. This past year, I worked on a variety of tasks that included food distribution, helping at a youth summer camp for refugee children, and construction work on bombed houses and schools.”
Most of his time in Ukraine had been in the northeastern city of Kharkiv at an organization called Pekelna Kuhnya, or in English, Hell’s Kitchen. Pekelna Kuhnya cooks 1,200 meals a day, seven days a week, for hospitals and internally displaced people in Kharkiv. It is a team of 50 local volunteers comprised of everyday people in Kharkiv, including school teachers, doctors, retirees, high school students, and first responders. “The limited number of hospitals left operating in Kharkiv and in the outlying areas were overwhelmed by the volume of patients due to the approximately 480,000 internally displaced people living in the city and further exacerbated by the daily injuries and deaths taking place from the bombing of the city,” Huff explained. “Most of the hospitals in the outlying areas have been destroyed or are inoperable, so the 1,200 healthy meals that Pekelna Kuhnya provides every day to the nine hospitals in the area are critical to their basic functioning.”
Since returning to Nashville, Huff has been assisting Pekelna Kuhnya with grant writing. “They had some financial support from the UN Food Program and Nova Ukraine, but as funding for Ukraine has dramatically lowered, Pekelna Kuhnya needed significant additional funding to help with day-to-day food and utility costs,” he explained. “I have been helping
DARRIS UPTON MSSW 2018, BSSW 2017
them apply for international grants to help with these operating expenses by assisting with editing their grant proposals. The grant writing education I received has proven essential to the volunteer work I was doing.”
Huff noted that his experience in Ukraine was invaluable and forever changed his viewpoint on life. He plans to stay in touch with his Ukrainian friends, who became more like family, for the foreseeable future.
“My time in Ukraine had a profound effect on my outlook and gave me a real sense of what it means to help. Helping people who have nothing to give in return is the true definition of volunteering. I am proud to be a social worker and all that it encompasses.”
UTCSW alum Darris K. Upton (MSSW 2018, BSSW 2017) has been elected chair of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) Board of Commissioners. He was unanimously voted to the role of chair at the THRC Board of Commissioners meeting on November 17. Gov. Bill Lee appointed Darris Upton of Knoxville to the THRC on February 23, 2023, as a representative of the Eastern Tennessee Division.
Upton attended his first THRC Board of Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2023. He will serve his term until June 2024.
“I look forward to serving in this role and I have to say that the UT College of Social Work prepared me well,” Upton said. “I use the organizational leadership classwork every single day, so thank you, CSW.”
Additionally, Upton is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Manager for United Clean-up Oak Ridge (UCOR). In his role, he helps UCOR build a more diverse workforce and develop internal support for employees. Previously, Upton served as the Diversity Development manager for Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ office. During his tenure there, his projects included implementing a summer intern program with Project Grad, developing employee resources groups for Knox County, and partnering with private sector companies and nonprofit organizations to provide jobs for individuals seeking second-chance employment.
Upton is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, serving nearly 12 years. After his naval service, he attended Pellissippi State Community College and the University of Tennessee, receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.
The mission of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission is “safeguarding individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement.” THRC is the primary agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws in Tennessee in employment, housing, and public accommodation.
KAY BLAKNEY, MSSW 1974
Kay Blakney received her MSSW from the Memphis campus in 1974. She recently turned 77 years old and spent some time reflecting on her social work career. She noted that her MSSW opened many doors for her in the profession and wants the upcoming generation of social workers to know what a fulfilling career they get to look forward to.
Kay Blakney’s service career started in Atlanta in 1969, where she was the Intake Worker at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. After graduating from UT at Martin, she worked in Obion County for about a year and a half as a Food Stamp Certification Worker. She left that position to start work on her master’s in social work in Memphis. She applied for a stipend and attended graduate school with a commitment to work for the Welfare Department for a few years. After graduating, she returned to the Welfare Department to fulfill her obligation. Later in her career, Blakney worked as a school social worker in Shelby County, the only county in West Tennessee to have school social workers.
After taking the test to become an LCSW, Blakney worked for a few years in the Fraser/Millington Community Mental Health Center as a therapist and was appointed to be on the State Board of Directors for the Department of Human Services.
Blakney later learned that the position of Assistant Superintendent of Social Services position would open at the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, where she had previously worked. About six weeks later, she returned to work at Lakeshore. Blakney worked at Lakeshore until she retired at age 62.
“After retiring, it is hard to let go of who you have been for so long,” she explained. “I just eased out gradually. I was on a board for a child advocacy center for a couple of years, did a few private pay therapy sessions for some families working with children during divorce, and provided supervised visitation for some families for DCS. I have learned that being resilient and adapting to the new chapters helps.”
To learn more about or to donate to Pekelna Kuhnya, visit hellskitchenukraine.org
Portions of this story have been borrowed from the original article published in the The Nashville PRIDE, which can be found here: pridepublishinggroup.com/2023/12/07/ darris-upton-elected-chair-of-tennesseehuman-rights-commission/
“As for my career in social work, so many of the experiences I had opened doors for other opportunities. I would advise students to be intentional and do things to get all the experiences they can. You just don’t know what opportunities may present themselves later. Don’t ever rule anything out.”
Jacob Huff (center), volunteering with the meal organization, Pekelna Kuhnya.
CHRISTOPHER SARRAZIN BSSW
Christopher Sarrazin is a junior in the BSSW program on the Knoxville campus. He served in the Marine Corps for 11 years as a motor transport mechanic and later as the Maintenance Chief. He also served in other various roles, including one as an Assistant Suicide Prevention Program Officer, a role he was most proud of.
“I discovered from my time in service that my true passion lies in helping people and that everything I had done previously had been to further that goal,” he explained. “I started my transition as a psychology major, and after a semester, transferred to social work because I was really missing the human element. I love working with people and getting the story behind all their little quirks. am a huge supporter for advocacy, and I eventually want to start a nonprofit that focuses on reshaping the way we treat mental health and the unhoused in the United States.”
Sarrazin wants people to know that it is never too late to do something different or to change career paths. “If anyone has a passion for people, and if the idea of making a change in whatever space you're in sounds appealing, then social
VALERIE BOGIE MSSW
Valerie Bogie is a second-year student in the MSSW Online program studying Veterinary Social Work. Bogie loves animals and has been working with them in some capacity since 2000.
“With a career spanning over two decades, I have extensive experience across diverse animal care settings, including a veterinary hospital, an animal shelter, a veterinary behavior practice, training dogs, and caring for exotic animals in various zoos and aquariums across the country,” she explained. “I realized that no matter where I was living or what animals I was caring for, there was a lack of mental health awareness and resources specific to the animal industry, leading to high levels of compassion fatigue and burnout. My journey took a transformative turn when I discovered Veterinary Social Work—a field dedicated to
work is likely the field for you,” he said. “If helping others motivates you or even interests you in some way, I suggest exploring the field further. It’s a great feeling to know that what you do in your career has a direct effect on assisting others in an impactful way.”
If anyone has a passion for people, and if the idea of making a change in whatever space you're in sounds appealing, then social work is likely the field for you.”
— Christopher Sarrazin BSSW junior
KAMIL PORTIS DSW
Kamil Portis currently works as a Community School Coordinator in the public school system in metro Atlanta, Georgia. This position enhances her clinical skills while leveraging her leadership and organizational abilities. “My work primarily focuses on the mezzo and macro levels of social work, aiming to create a positive impact within the community,” she explained. “In this role, I assess the needs and strengths of the school community and develop strategic plans to address them. I build relationships with students, families, staff, and community members to foster a collaborative environment. I coordinate various services to ensure they effectively support student and family needs while also creating programs that enhance student achievement and wellness."
NAMRATA MUKHERJEE AND ARITRA MOULICK
PhD
Namrata Mukherjee and Aritra Moulick are a married couple both in the PhD program. They started their social work journey together as classmates in their MSW program in India and are now cohort mates in the PhD program. They have been together for over nine years and have been married for four years.
Moulick was originally selected for the PhD program in 2020. However, he had to defer joining the program by a year due to the pandemic. “When Aritra deferred a year, that gave me time to apply to the program,” Mukherjee said. “I was very excited when received admission. The main reason we chose the UTCSW PhD program was for its QS World University Ranking of being one of the top 500 universities in the world. It was a wonderful decision, and we have not looked back since.”
addressing the emotional well-being of humans wherever there is a human-animal bond. Realizing the profound impact this support can have, I became dedicated to spreading awareness and providing resources about this growing and expansive field.”
Bogie knows how strong a bond is formed with animals and acknowledges that this needs to be respected.
“Whether you care for animals as your job or as a pet owner, it can be so impactful to receive support from someone specifically trained for what you are experiencing,” she explained. “There are so many opportunities for Veterinary Social Work to make a difference, such as veterinary students & staff, pet owners, shelter workers, zoo & aquarium staff, dog trainers, and so much more.”
Learning from Dr. Elizabeth Strand is a key part of Bogie’s experience. “To be working with Dr. Strand, the founding director of veterinary social work, is a bit surreal,” Bogie acknowledged. “I really enjoy the in-person interactions with the Veterinary Social Work team, Vet Med Center staff, students, and clients. To be in a building full of so many intelligent, dedicated humans is truly an honor.”
When Portis decided to embark on a doctoral journey, her primary goal was to return to metro Atlanta and establish a school-based mental health program tailored to the needs of students and their families. “My community is predominantly African American and Hispanic, and its members face significant challenges, including academic pressures, family stressors, community violence, poverty, trauma, and mental health issues,” she said. “Despite these hardships, the community's resilience is inspiring; its members hold onto hope and strive to be seen, heard, and supported. As a clinical social worker embedded in this community, I felt a deep obligation to contribute to its healing.”
"Enrolling in the DSW program at the UT College of Social Work provides me with the necessary training and skills to achieve my goals. I aim to create meaningful change and address the mental health needs of marginalized populations, ultimately working towards a more equitable and effective support system for those I serve.”
“Being in the DSW program has profoundly impacted my life. As I progress through the program, I have been able to apply the knowledge I've gained to my work, which has helped me clarify my future career aspirations. The program has also equipped me with valuable tools to ensure my success.”
ARITRA MOULICK AND
With his undergraduate degree in commerce and a graduate degree in social work, Moulick brings a knowledge of interdisciplinary collaboration to his research and teaching practices. During his time in India, Moulick gained an appreciation for cultures and perspectives different from his own while working with tribal and marginalized communities in remote rural areas of India. Moulick's commitment to social justice ultimately led him to a career in social work with a strong focus on health equity and the well-being of rural and indigent communities. "I am dedicated to uncovering the truths that heal nations by transforming data into hope and action for a healthier world,” he stated.
Mukherjee obtained her undergraduate degree in economics and a graduate degree in social work in India. With that, she brings a unique blend of crosscultural perspectives to the program. Her practice experience of working with diverse communities in India and engaging in community participatory research in the U.S. has enhanced her appreciation for cultures and life-course perspectives that shape her narratives.
“We are so excited to graduate and begin our careers together,” Mukherjee said. ‘We would like to go into academics and advance our work in the U.S. with a cross-national perspective.”
Publications 2024
Abrams, T.E. Beebe, L.H., & Mixer, S.J. (2024). Undergraduate nursing student reflections on academic service learning experiences – A qualitative study. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 45(1), 96-104. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2023 .2278782
Buzard, A. (2024). Conceptualizing anti-racist social work pedagogy. Advances in Social Work 23(2). https://doi.org/10.18060/27152
Chaffin, K.M. & Shatila, S. (2024). The case for online education: success factors in an MSW program through a critical feminist lens. Social Work Education, 43(7), 1812-1830. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2023.2221992
Cook Heffron, L., Held, M.L. & Huslage, M. (2024). Immigration in social work education: Student knowledge and perception of risk of detention and deportation. Journal of Social Work Education 60(1), 59-72. https://doi.org/10.10 80/10437797.2023.2228855
Foster, C.R., Held, M.L. & Carter, A. (2024). Assessing the impact of COVID-19 and race-based trauma on the mental health of Black social work providers. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 33(1), 1-16. https:// doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2022.2155285
Huslage, M., Cronley, C. Roark, E.M., & Scoresby, K. (2024). How to spend the newly dedicated public transportation funding: Investigating transportation access among individuals experiencing homelessness. Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, 33(1), 278-283. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2022.212 7884
Leat, S., Ravi, K.E. & Obenauf, C. (2024). Living in an intimate partner violence shelter during a pandemic: Perspectives from advocates and survivors. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 21(4), 435-454. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408 066.2024.2308828
Ricciardelli, L., & McGarity, S. (2024). In pursuit of equity: Examining ASWB exam disparities and legislative responses. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 21(2), 141-144. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2024.2310598
Robbins, J., Proudfoot, K., Strand, E. Hemsworth, L., Coleman, G., Hemsworth, P., Skuse, J., Krawczel, P., & Van Os, J. (2024). Perceptions of dairy cow-handling situations: A comparison of public and industry samples. Journal of Dairy Science 107(1), 540–554. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23496
Saleh, M.F., Bowland, S. & Colvin, A.D. (2024). Fostering a dual vision: Lessons learned in developing a collaborative joint MSW program. Social Work Education, 43(4), 1058-1077. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2022.2162874
Ward, C., Johnson, I., Bamwine, P. & Light, M. (2024). The pet paradox: Uncovering the role of animal companions during the serious health events of people experiencing homelessness. Anthrozoös, 37(2), 343-359. https://doi.org/1 0.1080/08927936.2023.2280376
Washington, T. & Lewinson, T.D. (2024). Healthcare social workers’ scope of practice during COVID-19. Healthcare, 12(2), 174. https://doi.org/10.3390/ healthcare12020174
Zettler, H.R., Schauss, E., Williams, R., Hawes, K., Conway, A. Allen, S., … Loveless, C. (2024). Correlates of intentional and unintentional firearm-related injuries among pediatric hospital patients. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma 33(6), 645-661. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2023.2293099
Zottarelli, L.K. *Garrett, K.S. Stassen, R., & Hernandez, T. (2024). Symbolic and substantive compliance communication about pregnant students’ rights and access to services among Texas public postsecondary institutions. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000574
Zottarelli, L.K. Sunil, T., Xu, X., & Chowdhury, S. (2024). Examining anti-poverty programs to address student’s unmet basic needs at Texas Hispanic-serving institutions over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trends in Higher Education, 3(1), 34-49. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3010003
Campbell, R.D., Fussell-Ware, D.J. & Winchester, M.R. (2024). A call for social work educators to confront and dismantle systemic racism within social work programs. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 30(1), 65-80. https:// reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/issue/ view/146
Cronley, C. Tiderington, E., Aykanian, A., & Huslage, M. (2024). Voices from the field: continua of care representatives discuss strategies and opportunities for promoting equity in homelessness services in the United States. Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2024.2310 955
First, J.M. Carnahan, M., Yu, M., Lee, S. & Houston, J.B. (2024). Recovering from tornado brain: A qualitative analysis of long-term needs after one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. Clinical Social Work Journal https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10615-024-00926-1
Mennis, J., Mason, M.J. Coatsworth, J.D., Russell, M., Zaharakis, N.M. (2024). Young adult depression and cannabis use: Associations before and after recreational legalization. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 66(2), 333341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2023.09.023
Rai, A., Held, M.L. Osborne, E., & *Kapur, I. (2024). Stress among immigrants in the United States. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 21(4), 509–528. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2024.2320345
Abrams, T.E., Nugent, W.R. Joseph-McCatty, A.A. & *Moulick, A. (2024). Examining disparities in alcohol use testing on burn patient admissions: A call for association guidance. Journal of Burn Care & Research 45(2), 416-424. https:// doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irad166
Chen, Z., Birkenmaier, J., & Garand, J. (2024). Examining the validity of financial knowledge measures in a context of racialized financial market. Race and Social Problems, 16 86-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-023-09398-3
McFalls-Steger, C., Zottarelli, L. & Patterson, D. (2024). Animal-assisted psychotherapy in treatment of adults with depressive symptoms: A retrospective quasi-experimental study. Human-Animal Interactions 12(1). https://doi. org/10.1079/hai.2024.0008
Nugent, W.R. (2024). A matrix lie group formulation of measurement theory: Symmetries of classical measurement theory. Measurement: Interdisciplinary Research and Perspectives, 22(3), 297-314. https://doi.org/10.1080/15366367.2 023.2258483
Sarabia, J.R., Dellor, E., Freisthler, B. & Kieninger, K. (2024). Exploring the association between post–critical incident intervention preferences and selfreported coping self-efficacy among firefighters. Journal of Traumatic Stress 37(3), 504-515. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.23029
Stassen, R., Zottarelli, L.K., Rowan, P., Walton, G., & Herbold, J. (2024). Extreme heat and pregnancy: A content analysis of heat health risk communication by US Public Health agencies. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 18(e71). http://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2024.44
Ward, C., & Montgomery, K. (2024). End-of-life planning and the influence of socioeconomic status among Black Americans: A systematic review. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care 27, 21-30. https://doi.org/10.14475/jhpc.2024.27.1.21
Allen, A.K., Ravi, K.E. Haselschwerdt, M., & Niederhauser, V. (2024). The experiences and perceptions of campus resource utilization by college students with childhood domestic violence exposure histories. Journal of American College Health 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2337010
Blackwell, M.J., Daugherty, L., *Galvez, E.S., *Garrett, K.S., Butler, R. Mesa, A.V., Dorminey, Z. (2024). Racial disparities in animal welfare. Social Work Publications and Other Works https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_socipubs/35
Power, S.R., Washington, T.R. & Lewinson, T.D. (2024). Talk to the tablet: Technology’s impact on medical social work practice during COVID-19. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 42(3), 194-214. https://doi.org/10.1080/1522883 5.2024.2343687
Ravi, K.E. Cronley, C. Lawler, A., Conway, A., *Kapur, I. & Jones, A. (2024). Association of daily activities with maternal-child bonding, parenting selfefficacy, social support, and parenting behaviors among survivors living in an intimate partner violence shelter: A daily diary study. Journal of Interpersonal Violence 39 23-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605241245361
Zottarelli, L.K. Xu, X., Hatcher, J.M., Thiruppathiraj, R., Ellis, N., Chowdhury, S., & Sunil, T. (2024). Adaptive complexity: Examining Texas public postsecondary institutions’ provision of student basic needs programs. Trends in Higher Education, 3(2), 247-259. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3020015
Dellor, E.D., Allbright-Campos, M., Lee, J.Y., Bunger, A.C., Gadel, F., & Freisthler, B. (2024). An adaption of the national sobriety treatment and recovery teams model. Children and Youth Services Review 160 https://doi.org/10.1016/j. childyouth.2024.107575
Freisthler, B. Kranich, C., & Price Wolf, J. (2024). Does parent report of child physical abuse and supervisory neglect differ by method of study recruitment or mode of survey administration. Child & Family Social Work 29(2), 438-449. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.13097
Freisthler, B. & Price Wolf, J. (2024). Effects of the Sacramento neighborhood alcohol prevention project on rates of child abuse and neglect 7 years postimplementation (1999–2010). Drug and Alcohol Review 43(4), 848-852. https:// doi.org/10.1111/dar.13811
Hayden, E., & Buzard, A. (2024). Power to the People. H-Net: Humanities & Social Sciences Online 2 https://doi.org/10.33823/phtc.v2i1.224
Lucio, R. Aiken, E.C., Maughan, G., Campbell, M., & Louis-Caines, K. (2024). Agents of change: The role LEAD plays in identity formation, community engagement, and social justice advocacy. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 9, 505-520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-024-00306-2
Olson, C.S., Ross, R.M., Bland, T., Munoz, L., Wilson, J.L., & Gaylord, N.M. (2024). Verbal administration of adverse childhood experience (ACE) questions: Increasing the accuracy of clients’ histories. Health & Social Work 49(3),197199. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hlae015
Ravi, K.E., Leat, S.R., Voth Schrag, R., Moore, K. (2024). Factors influencing help-seeking choices among non-service-connected survivors of IPV. Journal of Family Violence 39 539-552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00495-w
Sinha, G.R., Larrison, C.R., Chen, Z. Mowbray, O., & Mullen, S.P. (2024). Anxiety, student loan repayment behaviors, and financial knowledge. Academia Mental Health and Well-Being, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.20935/MHealthWellB6250
Volk, J.O., Schimmack, U., Strand, E.B. Reinhard, A., Hahn, J., Andrews, J., ProbynSmith, K., & Jones, R. (2024). Work-life balance is essential to reducing burnout, improving well-being. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262(7), 950-957. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.02.0135
Hobbs, T., Joseph-McCatty, A.A. & Nugent, W.R. (2024). An investigation of the impact of students’ prior disciplinary record on school discipline outcomes. Race and Social Problems 16 433-443. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-024-09417-x
Lucio, R. Shayman, E., Mitchell, B.D., & Souhrada, E. (2024). What is essential in school social work practice. School Mental Health 16, 403-416. https://doi. org/10.1007/s12310-024-09643-z
Lucio, R. Southrada, E., Inciti, J., & Mitchell, B. (2024). Examining school social work certifications across the Midwest states. International Journal of School Social Work 8(2). https://doi.org/10.4148/2161-4148.1116
Mitchell, B.D., Lucio, R., Souhrada, E., Buttera, K., & Mahoney,J. (2024). Understanding the attacks on social-emotional learning: Strategizing on the response and advocacy of school mental health practitioners. School Mental Health 16, 948-958. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-024-09666-6
Ravi, K. Rai, A., *Lawler, A. & Cronley, C. (2024). Intimate partner violence effects on children’s academic achievement: Results from a nationally representative sample. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 15(2), 375-389. https://doi.org/10.1086/722421
Semenza, D.C., Silver, I.A., Stansfield, R., & Bamwine, P. (2024). Local gun violence, mental health, and sleep: A neighborhood analysis in one hundred US Cities. Social Science & Medicine 351 https://doi.org/10.1016/j. socscimed.2024.116929
Bamwine, P. Wallace, J.M., Jaime, M.C., Morrow, S.E., Booth, J., & Miller, E. (2024). Exploring bereavement processes among BLACK adolescent male COVICTIMS of homicide. Social Science & Medicine 352 https://doi.org/10.1016/j. socscimed.2024.116997
Chen, Z. Sinha, G.R., DeVylder, J., Mushonga, D., Mason, M., Fedina, L., & *Amen, Z. (2024). Young adults in pandemic financial hardship: Implications of the social determinants of mental health. Social Work in Mental Health, 22(5), 698–714. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2024.2377959
Cronley, C. *Fackler, A. First, J.M. *Lee, S. & Tsouris, I. (2024). Persons experiencing homelessness during extreme temperatures: Lessons for promoting socially inclusive adaptive capacity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 21(8), 984. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21080984
Fussell-Ware, D.J. Bauer, A.G., Jones, H.A., & Boatwright, J.A. (2024). An evaluation of a community-based mental health literacy intervention for Black adults. Research on Social Work Practice, 35(2), 198-205. https://doi. org/10.1177/10497315241262950
Hobbs, S., Bellows, L.L., Coatsworth, J.D. & Johnson, S.L. (2024). Using plan, do, study, act cycles to improve a maternal self-care intervention with audience input. Health Promotion Practice 25(4), 666-676. https://doi. org/10.1177/15248399231177305
Joseph-McCatty, A.A. Bamwine, P., & Sanders, J. (2024). The case for an intersectional approach to trauma-informed practices in K–12 schools for Black girls. Children & Schools, 46(3),156-165. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/cdae010
Lucio, R. Souhrada, E., Shayman, E., & Michalczak, H. (2024). A call to action: Unifying school social work practice models. Children & Schools 46(3),145-155. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/cdae009
Nugent, W.R. & *Khalil, A. (2024). The relationship between violent political rhetoric, murder rate, gun ownership, and police deadly encounters with civilians. Advances in Social Work 24(1). https://doi.org/10.18060/27231
Rapp-McCall, L., & Lucio, R. (2024). Firearm access and safe storage: What are social workers’ training and assessment practices with clients. Advances in Social Work, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.18060/27395
Ravi, K.E. Cronley, C. *Lawler, A., & Held, M.L. (2024). Presenting methodological resilience for conducting research with vulnerable populations during current and future pandemics: A case study with IPV shelters and survivors in the United States. Journal of Family Violence, 39(5), 827-834. https:// doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00499-6
Ravi, K.E. *Lawler, A., Haselschwerdt, M., Lucca, C., & Niederhauser, V. (2024). Systematic review of the impacts of childhood exposure to domestic violence among college students. Aggression and Violent Behavior 77 https://doi. org/10.1016/j.avb.2024.101931
Ravi, K.E. Leat, S., Rai, A., Obenauf, C., Masters-Henry, N., & Dunbar, D. (2024). Survivor experiences living in an intimate partner violence shelter in the United States in 2022: Implications for the COVID-19 endemic and beyond. Families in Society 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894241260072
Ricciardelli, L.A., McGarity, S.V. Lewis, M.L, & Herzog, J. (2024). Social work interstate compact legislation: Points for analysis and advocacy. Social Work 69(3), 303-307. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swae018
Strand, E.B., Scoresby, K., Walker, H., Hernandez, A., Accornero, V., Messinger, L. Linden, P. Ward, C., Knight, M.P., Engelman, H., Moore, K., & Slater, M.R. (2024). Life with pets study: lower income veterinary clients' perception of pets' quality of life. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/ fvets.2024.1422359
Stuart McQueen, S., Huguley, J.P., Haynik, R., Joseph-McCatty, A.A. Calaman, R., Williams, M., & Wang, M.T. (2024). Teacher perspectives on effective restorative practice implementation: Identifying programmatic elements that promote positive relational development in schools. Child & Youth Services, 45(3), 430457. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2023.2191943
Suffoletto, B., Lee, C.M., & Mason, M. (2024). A text message intervention aimed at nurturing peer outreach to help meet drinking limit goals: A remote pilot randomized trial in non-collegiate young adults. Addictive Behaviors 154. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108020
Volk, J.O., Schimmack, U., Strand, E.B., Reinhard, A., Hahn, J., Andrews, J., ProbynSmith, K., & Jones, R. (2024). Merck Animal Health Veterinary Team study reveals factors associated with well-being, burnout, and mental health among nonveterinarian practice team members. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(10), 1330-1337. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.03.0225
Alexander, J.D., Linkersdörfer, J., Toda-Thorne, K. Mason, M.J. et al. (2024). Passively sensing smartphone use in teens with rates of use by sex and across operating systems. Scientific Reports, 14 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-02468467-8
Mennis, J., Coatsworth, J.D., Russell, M., Zaharakis, N. Brown, A., & Mason, M.J. (2024). Environmental impacts on behavioral health interventions: The moderating effect of neighborhood deprivation on a mobile health treatment for depression. Annals of the American Association of Geographers, 114(10), 2334–2351. https://doi.org/10.1080/24694452.2024.2385395
Nyanamba, J.M., Hanebutt, R., Goodwin, A., Gonzalez-Detrés, C., Kapatamoyo, K., Bamwine, P., Okonkwo, M.N., Kodiamplakkal, H., Narisetti, L., Murry, V.M., & Walker, P. (2024). African descent populations in the United States are not monolithic: A scoping review of African immigrants’ mental health and coping strategies. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 30(4), 713-739. https://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000688
Wang, F., *Kapur, I. *Mukherjee, N. & Wang, K. (2024). The mediating effect of social participation restriction on the association between role overload and mental health among caregivers of older adults with dementia. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development 0(0). https://doi. org/10.1177/00914150241268004
Chandarana, S., Rai, A., & Ravi, K. (2024). Gender differences in intimate partner violence cause attribution in South Asian immigrants in the United States: Implications for practice. Families in Society https://doi. org/10.1177/10443894241262835
Fortier, S.M., Strand, E. Zottarelli, L.K. Stevens, M., & Springer, C.M. (2024). Values work with adolescents: A qualitative component analysis using an integrative model of values and behavior. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2024.08.001
Freisthler, B. Thurston, H., & Price Wolf, J. (2024). Examining the context of cannabis use and parenting: An exploratory Ecological Momentary Assessment study. Parenting 2394656. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295192.2024.2394656
Montgomery, K.L. *Galvez, E., & *Garrett, K. (2024). Stages of development: Infancy and early childhood. Understanding Diversity in Human Behavior and Development in the Social Environment 149-168. https://doi.org/10.1891/ 9780826166524.0007
Irani, E., Nguyen, A.W., Dasari, U.S.V., Jennings, A.P., Wang, F. & Hickman, R.L. (2024). African American family caregivers' experiences and mental health: A convergent mixed-methods study. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 46(11), 928-940. https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459241278453
Porter, M.S., Ellis, K., First, J.M. & Held, M.L. (2024). When Black and Latinx Nashville residents became aware of a nocturnal tornado threat in Middle Tennessee. The Professional Geographer, 76(6), 727-739. https://doiorg/10.1080/ 00330124.2024.2390530
Zaharakis, N., Coatsworth, J.D. Riggs, N.R., Radford, A., Rayburn, S., Mennis, J., Russell, M.A., Brown, A., & Mason, M.J. (2024). Treating young adult cannabis use disorder with text message-delivered peer network counseling. Contemporary Clinical Trials 144 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2024.107635
Brown, M.J., Adkins-Jackson, P.B., Sayed, L., Wang, F., Leggett, A., & Ryan, L.H. (2024). The worst of times: Depressive symptoms among racialized groups living with dementia and cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Aging and Health, 36(9), 535-545. https://doi. org/10.1177/08982643231223555
Cain, S. M., Held, M.L. & Thomas, S. P. (2024). Neonatal intensive care providers’ lived experiences and trauma-informed care to mother-infant dyads impacted by opioid use. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research https://www. journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/733640
Cooper, Z.W., Johnson, L., Washington, T.R. & Lewinson, T. (2024). Analyzing the roles, workflows, and communication dynamics of social workers within interprofessional care teams. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 38(6), 1016-1025. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2024.2403015
Freisthler, B. Chahine, R.A., Villani, J., Chandler, R., Feaster, D.J. Slovova, S., … Oga, E.A. (2024). Effect of the communities that HEAL intervention on mortality including polysubstance overdose deaths: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40006
Hornbuckle, L.M., Cronley, C. Mullins, I., & Barroso, C.S. (2024). Low-income families’ perspectives on physical activity and access to outdoor recreation. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 56(10S), 907-908. https://doi. org/10.1249/01.mss.0001060472.42081.25
Littleton, T., Freisthler, B. Boyd, R., Smith, A.M., & Barboza-Salerno, G. (2024). Historical redlining, neighborhood disadvantage, and reports of child maltreatment in a large urban county. Child Abuse & Neglect 156. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107011
Nugent, W.R. & *Lee, J.B. (2024). The relationship between violent political rhetoric and suicide rates. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2024.2410301
Rai, A., Held, M.L. Huslage, M., *Galvez, E. Ayalew, Y.D., & Siskay, L. (2024). Do the right thing: Immigrant perspectives of social worker support in the United States. International Journal of Social Welfare 33(4), 1200-1207. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12654
Rai, A., Ravi, K.E. Singh, S., & Vandermolen, R. (2024). Brief review of the 2022 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: Gaps and way forward. Journal of Family Issues, 25(1), 155-179. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X15618993
Tonui, B.C., Ravi, K.E. Mitschke, D.B., Laney, E., & Costello, E. (2024). Depression among resettled Karen refugees in the United States: An exploratory pilot study. Families in Society, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894241275711
Butler, C.R., Nalatwad, A., Cheung, K.L., Hannan, M.F., Hladek, M.D., Johnston, E.A., Kimberly, L., Liu, C.K., Nair, D., Ozdemir, S., Saeed, F., Scherer, J.S., Segev, D.L., Sheshadri, A., Tennankore, K.K., Washington, T.R. Wolfgram, D., Ghildayal, N., Hall, R., & McAdams-DeMarco, M. (2024). Establishing research priorities in geriatric nephrology: A delphi study of clinicians and researchers. American Journal of Kidney Diseases: The Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation, S02726386(24)01082-5. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2024.09.012
Bowie, S.L. & Walsh, D.R. (2024). Taming the APA style writing beast: Outcomes from a structured workshop for newly enrolled MSW students. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 44(5), 578-591. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.202 4.2417461
Freisthler, B. Berezina, P., Ye, Y., Bah, F. Ramesh, B., Barboza-Salerno, G., & Price Wolf, J. (2024). Characteristics of parents who spent time away from home during stay-at-home orders and relation to parenting behaviors in Ohio. Child and Youth Care Forum https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-024-09841-5
Huslage, M., *Galvez, E. Held, M.L. & Rai, A. (2024). What immigrants want providers to know about their communities and culture: A Content analysis. Families in Society https://journals.sagepub.com/ doi/10.1177/10443894241280091
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Littleton, T., Freisthler, B. Boyd, R., Smith, A., & Barboza-Salerno, G. (2024). Historical redlining, neighborhood disadvantage, and reports of child maltreatment in a large urban county. Child Abuse and Neglect, 156, 107011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107011
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Ricciardelli, L., McGarity, S.V., Mbao, M., Erbetta, K., Herzog, J., & Knierem, M. (2024). Racial disparity in social work professional licensure exam pass rates: Examining institutional characteristics and state licensure policy as predictors. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work 2, 199-213. https://doi.org/10.1080/2640 8066.2023.2285887
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Short Mejia, A., Smith, G.A., Fernandez, S.A., Freisthler, B. Grella, C., & Michaels, N.L. (2024). Evaluating fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction strategy in rural and urban counties: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 25 587. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-08440-y
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Irani, E., Wang, F. Meyer, K., Moore, S.E., & Ding, K. (2024). Social activity restriction and psychological health among caregivers of older adults with and without dementia. Journal of Aging and Health 36(10), 678-688. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231209089
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UTCSW Youth Mental Health Forum participants listen attentively to the keynote address.
UTCSW PhD student Eliza Galvez heads to a meeting in Stokely Management Center.
UTCSW Board of Visitors member and Youth Mental Health Forum keynote speaker Altha Stewart M.D., speaks to an engaged audience. Students hanging
Nashville students relax in the new student lounge before class.
916 Volunteer Blvd.
Stokely Management Center
Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-2809
csw.utk.edu
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. A project of the College of Social Work Communications Department with assistance from Nathanna Design. Photography by Shawn Poynter, Poynter Photo Co. PAN: 1162-001-25
(Left to Right): PhD students Oliver Eya, Eliza Galvez, Kenyette Garrett, and Sangmi Kim gather in the new UTCSW space in Stokely Management Center.