The university of tennessee college of social work
2025 Annual Report
Meeting community needs
“Amidst a rapidly changing world, the College of Social Work remains steadfast in its mission to serve Tennessee’s communities while preparing future social work practitioners, advocates, and scholars.”
Dr. lori messinger
Dean of The University of Tennessee
College of Social Work
Message from the Dean
Building Stronger Communities Through Social Work Excellence
At the College of Social Work, our commitment to fostering impactful relationships with communities remains at the heart of everything we do. With campuses in Nashville and Knoxville, and a global presence through partnerships and initiatives, our reach is extensive. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate closely with community partners to identify challenges, harness strengths, and implement solutions that drive change at individual, family, community, and national levels.
Faculty and doctoral students at the College of Social Work are advancing research and practice by partnering with social service agencies, schools, hospitals, shelters, prisons, veterans’ organizations,
and statewide initiatives. Their work addresses critical issues such as family violence prevention, rural health interventions, empowering deaf individuals in the Dominican Republic, understanding
alcohol-related events in grocery stores, and tackling disproportionate school suspensions for Black girls. These efforts, described in our annual report, exemplify our interdisciplinary approach to solving complex societal challenges.
For over 50 years, the Social Work Office for Research and Public Service (SWORPS) has served as the college’s public service arm, delivering applied research, innovative data solutions, and program management expertise. SWORPS supports agencies across Tennessee with projects addressing diverse issues such as mental health courts, early childhood education technical assistance, healthcare needs in Knox County, resources for parents navigating the criminal justice system, and community planning. With over 140 dedicated employees statewide, SWORPS ensures that interventions meet the needs of Tennesseans effectively and sustainably. We are thrilled to celebrate the longevity and impact of this unit.
Our students are also making a significant impact. Each year, more than 600 social work students contribute their time and expertise to health and human services settings across Tennessee and beyond. These students gain invaluable experience working alongside seasoned professionals while learning how to create meaningful change in people’s lives. In 2024–2025 alone, our students contributed over $18,330 in volunteer labor to individuals in need—a testament to their dedication to service.
Amidst a rapidly changing world, the College of Social Work remains steadfast in its mission to serve
Tennessee’s communities while preparing future social work practitioners, advocates, and scholars. As we continue to grow and innovate, we invite you to celebrate the incredible achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and partners who embody what it means to be a Social Work Vol.
Lori Messinger, Dean
SWORPS at 50: Celebrating a Legacy of Impact
The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) has been an integral part of the University of Tennessee College of Social Work since its establishment in 1975.
Featured Stories
Connection, Community, Education: A First-Generation Journey
The UT College of Social Work’s “First-Gen Docs” program was created to provide tailored support, community, and education to help them navigate the process and advance their careers.
Driving Impact: A Lifeline for Underserved Communities
The Mobile Interprofessional Tandem Service Model (MITS) brings essential social work, audiology, and speech pathology services directly to underserved rural East Tennessee communities, delivering care, support, and education where it’s needed most.
Strategic Goals Progress Report
FY 2025-2026
The UTCSW is proud to celebrate three transformative years of our strategic vision—a journey defined by unwavering commitment to excellence and bold strides toward innovation. As we continue to elevate the quality of our work, we’re pushing boundaries and setting new standards in social work education and practice. Dive into the highlights of our progress across the five key areas that are shaping the future of our college and the communities we serve.
Enhancing the Workforce
Preparing ethical, effective, highly skilled social workers for Tennessee and beyond.
- Strategy: Increase Total Enrollment
- 14% increase in enrollment from fall ’24 to fall ’25
- Strategy: Increase online degrees by 5% annually
- 41% increase in online degrees awarded vs prior year
- Strategy: Increase Scholarships
- 36% increase in scholarship dollars over the prior year
Expanding Our Impact
Continuing to develop and support research that makes a difference
- Strategy: Increase the number of new externally funded grants for the CSWORA based on a three-year moving average.
- FY ’24: $2.1M
- FY ’25: $3.4M
- Strategy: Host a minimum of four events that help connect faculty with community partners.
- 17 events were hosted in FY ’25
- Strategy: Increase the number of faculty training opportunities each year with a minimum of two.
- CY ’25: 20 faculty training opportunities completed
Engaging Stakeholders
Maintaining vibrant, mutually beneficial connections to alumni and community partners.
- Strategy: Increase the number of agencies engaged by a minimum of 10% annually
- 2024: 56
- 2025: 79
- 36% increase
- Strategy: Increase the number of UTCSW alumni participating in UTCSW alumni events
- 56% increase in the number of UTCSW alumni at our events
- Strategy: Increase the number of paid field placements
- 35% of students in paid placements vs. 31% in FY ’24
Ensuring Access
Being a destination workplace where all people are respected, supported, mentored, engaged, and can thrive.
- Strategy: Increase the number of students participating in international learning opportunities
- FY ’24: 11
- FY ’25: 30
- 173% increase
- Strategy: Maintain at least 80% of students participating in international learning opportunities who responded “moderately to exceptionally well” overall as to their experience enhancing their academic and career readiness.
- 85% of responses were “moderately well” or higher (FY ’25)
- Strategy: Achieve 50% or higher employees classified as engaged based on McLean Survey data.
- FY ’24: 35%
- FY ’25: 48%
- 13% increase
Empowering Sustainability
Expanding and diversifying revenue sources and strengthening business services.
- Strategy: Achieve higher responses on “My department’s executive leadership acts on employee feedback” via the McLean Survey.
- 62% response rate on survey
- 24% increase from prior year
- Strategy: Maintain an overall positive 80% or higher satisfaction score from SWORPS’ active clients each year.
- 90% overall satisfaction (FY ’25)
- Strategy: Diversify income by increasing continuing education revenue.
- 144% increase in income from continuing education trainings
College Accolades
The UT College of Social Work DSW Program Earns an Eight-Year Accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education
Breaking Barriers: Empowering the Deaf Community in the Dominican Republic
Social Work Students Dive Deep into Advocacy in Washington, D.C.
Transforming Lives: Empowering Survivor Mothers and Their Children
Taking the College to the Next Level: UTCSW Faculty Present at the UT Grand Challenges Summit
International Social Work Class Built to Enhance Student Experience
From Classroom to Community: How Tennessee Backs Future Social Workers
Two Nashville Faculty Members Retire
Drs. Thereasa Ambrams and Ali Winters are set to retire at the end of the 2025 academic year after years of service.
Faculty Research
Pilot Study to Assess Drinking at Bars or Events Located within Grocery Stores
From Outreach to Impact: Collaboration is a Key Factor Toward Success
Faculty in the Media
UTCSW faculty and researchers are go-to experts for the media, sharing their insights on a wide range of critical topics. Here’s a glimpse of their impactful contributions featured in various media outlets throughout the year.
Dr. Andrea Joseph-McCatty | News Channel 5 Nashville
‘They’re crying out for help.’ Some fear Antioch students’ stress will overwhelm them if not checked on.
Dr. Lizzie Bowland | WBIR 10 News Knoxville
East Tennessee researchers identified a nationwide ‘suicide belt’ of 12 states, including Tennessee.
Rachel Ross | WVLT 8 News Knoxville
“I jumped with joy.” Anderson County senior citizens recieve life-changing service.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Kate Chaffin Named 2025 NASW-TN Social Work Educator of the Year
UTCSW PhD student Sangmi Kim Selected for National Fellowship
PhD Candidate Kenyette Garrett Receives Yates Dissertation Fellowship
Dr. Michael Blackwell Receives Award and Grant from Blue Buffalo
Michael Blackwell honored Named Recipient of the AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award
Advancement Impact
The UT College of Social Work Welcomes New Senior Director of Advancement
The UT College of Social Work (UTCSW) welcomes Amber Edrington as the college’s new Senior Director of Advancement. Edrington is a two-time graduate of the College of Social Work and has worked since 2020 for Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, where she helped grow the organization’s total budget by more than 50 percent. Her experience working with individual and corporate stakeholders comes at an ideal time for the College of Social Work. As a scholarship recipient herself at UT, Edrington’s passion for enhancing opportunities for students, faculty, and programs in social work will be a tremendous asset.
Career Paths with Purpose: UTCSW Alumni Meeting Community Needs
From Crisis Calls to Community Leaders: The Inspiring Journey of Linda and Marcos Garza
Linda Garza never planned to become a social worker, but life had other plans. From supervising a telephone help line to earning her master’s degree in social work (MSSW) at UT, Linda’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities. But the story doesn’t stop there. Linda’s son, Marcos Garza, followed in her footsteps— earning his MSSW and later a law degree at UT. Today, he uses his social work skills to empower clients and advocate for justice. Together, this mother-son duo has left an indelible mark on their community.
From Classroom to Courtroom: A UTCSW Graduate’s Journey to Forensic Social Work
When Megan Riedinger arrived at the University of Tennessee as a pre-law major in 2020, she didn’t yet know her heart was pulling her in a different direction. After a conversation with an advisor from the UT College of Social Work (UTCSW), everything changed.
Student Highlights
Kamah Karyeah
BSSW
BSSW graduate Kamah Karyeah was one of 10 seniors chosen to receive the Torchbearer award, the university’s highest undergraduate student honor, which reflects demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service and leadership.
Karyeah was also a member of Air Force ROTC, where she had the responsibility for the training and well-being of 50 first-year cadets as a basic cadet group commander. She was also an honors student and completed over 300 hours of student internship work through the college at Knoxville’s Austin-East Magnet High School. Karyeah was involved with Emerging Leaders, Leadership Knoxville Scholars, the Multicultural Mentoring Program, and the Global Citizens Program. She was a UTCSW student ambassador, a resident assistant in Brown Hall, and served as an Ignite team leader. Karyeah originally considered studying psychology to work in mental health and counseling until she learned about UT’s social work program. She completed the Air Force ROTC program upon graduation. She will be stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, working as a public affairs officer on a four-year contract.
Mackenzie (Kenzie) Wright
MSSW
Kenzie Wright is a passionate and dedicated student currently pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law, and Society from George Mason University, where she developed a strong interest in the intersections of trauma, systemic inequality, and the criminal justice system. Originally from Lee County, Virginia, Wright grew up on a farm and is proud of her rural Appalachian roots, which have shaped her strong work ethic and deep sense of empathy for underserved communities.
Wright is passionate about creating equitable systems of support and hopes to one day influence policy at the macro level to better protect and empower marginalized communities. She is especially interested in using social work as a tool for systemic change through advocacy, public policy, and community-driven initiatives.
A fun fact about Wright is that she has 10 dogs back home in Virginia, and a cat named Winnie that lives in Knoxville with her! On top of her love for animals, she also loves to travel and has a goal to travel to 30 countries before she turns 30. (She is currently at 11 countries.)
Jae Lee
DSW
Jae Lee is a third-year student in the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at the UT College of Social Work. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, holds a BA in Asian Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MSSW from the same. Lee chose the UTCSW for his DSW due to its reputation in social work academia and commitment to anti-oppressive practices.
Currently working at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, as a psychotherapist, the facility provides treatment and support such as therapy, alternative treatments, and medications when needed. They help veterans by offering consultation, evaluation, and treatment to help with a range of mental and behavioral health problems such as depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors and substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and combat-related stress disorder.
Lee notes that obtaining his DSW, along with his training in translational research and transformative practices, will help to advance his career with the VA. He credits the great combination of research and practice courses as one of his favorite parts of the program.
Eliza Galvez
PhD
Eliza Galvez has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in social work from Kennesaw State University. Galvez was originally born in New Jersey, and she later moved to Georgia, where she was raised in a Peruvian household.
Galvez is a first-generation college graduate with practice experience centered on addressing the mental healthcare needs of marginalized groups, primarily Latinos and people who are low-income, within nonprofit agencies and health systems. She has also worked as a research assistant, where she has contributed to program evaluations and research on racial and ethnic disparities in child development, healthcare, and education. She believes research is the foundation for knowing what is necessary to help those in need. Her research interests include adolescent and child trauma, racial and ethnic minority populations, and mental health prevention and intervention.
New Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Jessica Cameron
Clinical Assistant Professor, Nashville Campus
Jessica Cameron is a highly accomplished clinical social worker and educator with a strong foundation in evidence-based mental health care. She holds master’s degrees in social work and sustainable practice and has specialized training in trauma treatment and perinatal mental health. Cameron is the founder of a private psychotherapy practice and has held academic roles at Vanderbilt University and the UTCSW, where she taught and supervised students in clinical practice. Her expertise spans OCD, anxiety disorders, and acceptance and commitment therapy, and she is a frequent presenter on these topics.
Jane Crowe
Clinical Assistant Professor & MSSW Field Coordinator, Knoxville Campus
Jane Crowe holds an MSSW with experience in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice. She is proficient in teaching and supervising BSSW/MSSW students, both in-person and online, with extensive connections to local and regional agencies. Crowe is skilled in building and maintaining community partnerships and has an abiding commitment to social work values and social justice. She also has experience working alongside diverse communities.
Fiona Doherty
Assistant Professor, Nashville Campus
Fiona Doherty received her PhD from Ohio State University. Her scholarship addresses interconnected social and environmental crises, drawing from critical theories to investigate contextual vulnerabilities and employing participatory methods to generate community-centered solutions that enhance the well-being of both people and the planet. Her methodological expertise includes systematic reviews, mixed-methods research, and media analyses in U.S. and global contexts. Doherty’s dissertation, Social Connectedness and Extreme Weather Adaptive Capacity in Appalachian Ohio: An Intergenerational Participatory Photo Mapping Study, explored the converging issues of social disconnectedness and extreme weather vulnerability in an underserved, rural region.
Areis A. Lurry
Clinical Assistant Professor, Nashville Campus
Areis Lurry is a seasoned leader in healthcare administration and higher education with a passion for equity and student well-being. He recently completed his Doctor of Healthcare Administration at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. His diverse background includes executive leadership in university housing operations, clinical social work, and teaching in social work and business programs. Lurry has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, championed inclusive practices, and contributed to impactful research on healthcare access and student support. His career reflects a deep commitment to service, innovation, and empowering communities through education and health equity.
Akeem Modeste-James
Assistant Professor, Knoxville Campus
Akeem Modeste-James is from the twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, where he received his MSSW from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus. He earned his PhD from the University of Denver, where his research interests include the intersections of race, class, and gender; mental well-being, mental health disparities, and suicidology among Black women. His research aims to develop innovative, culturally sensitive interventions that improve the experiences of Black individuals.
Barbara Mendez Campos Love
Assistant Professor, Knoxville Campus
Barbara Mendez Campos Love received her PhD from Boston College and acknowledges that she is on a mission to help end racism and discrimination in the United States healthcare system. Her dissertation focused on how Hispanic patients with dementia and their caregivers have experienced this pair of problems in clinics and hospitals, with an emphasis on how access to treatment affects health. While previous studies have found that environmental factors, such as smoking and air pollution, can increase the risk of dementia, Mendez Campos Love’s study is the first to explore the potential link between healthcare discrimination and the condition.
Jo Willey
Clinical Assistant Professor, Knoxville Campus
Jo Willey brings over two decades of experience in clinical social work, higher education, and therapeutic program leadership to the college. She has served as an adjunct professor, teaching a wide range of social work practice courses. Willey has provided trauma-informed therapy across outpatient, residential, and private practice settings, specializing in evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. Her leadership roles have included program development, clinical supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration to support individuals and families facing complex mental health and substance use challenges.
Staff
Amber Edrington
Senior Director of Advancement
Knoxville Campus
Lauren Hermann
Coordinator of Undergraduate Recruitment
Knoxville Campus
Becca Kline
IT Technologist
Knoxville Campus
Sarah McCormack
Academic Advisor
Nashville Campus
