Angela Thomas

  • From Crisis Calls to Community Leaders: The Inspiring Journey of Linda and Marcos Garza

    Linda Garza, MSSW 1991; Marcos Garza, MSSW 1998, JD 2001 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…

  • Student Highlights 2025

    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…

  • In the Media 2025

    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-MCCATTYNews Channel 5 Nashville‘They’re crying out for help.’ Some fear Antioch students’ stress will overwhelm them if not…

  • Passion for Social Work Enhances Unique Bond between Mother and Son

    UT College of Social Work two-time alum Evie Nogales Baker (MSSW 2005, DSW 2023) and her son, BSSW student Evan Nogales Baker (expected to graduate in 2027) have a special affinity for the college. Both have chosen social work as a career path and agree that building relationships with peers and faculty has helped shape…

  • Advancing One Health: University of Tennessee Center for Pet Family Well-Being Leads First National Study on Dog Behavior Care Access

    The University of Tennessee Center for Pet Family Well-Being (CPFW) is leading the first national research initiative focused on access to dog behavior and training support. Conducted in partnership with Every Dog Behavior and Training and supported by a $170,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund®,  a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to…

  • UTCSW Alumna Creates Space for Healing Through Magnolia Harbor Carefarm

    In Powell, Tennessee, Magnolia Harbor Carefarm offers something many people navigating grief struggle to find: a space for connection. Founded by UT College of Social Work alumna Dr. Bree Conklin (DSW ‘17), the care farm is a therapeutic program designed for individuals experiencing traumatic grief and loss. Located on a property filled with more than…

  • UTCSW Student Highlights Importance of Early Prenatal Depression Screening

    UT College of Social Work (UTCSW) MSSW student Hana El-Messidi is already making an impact in the field of perinatal mental health, recently presenting her research at the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) Annual Meeting held in Franklin, Tennessee. Born and raised in Knoxville, El-Messidi earned her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and psychology…

  • The 2026 eVOLve Conference Breaks All Previous Attendance Records

    The UT College of Social Work’s (UTCSW) fifth annual eVOLve conference was a huge success with close to 500 people attending in person and over 600 people attending online. This year’s venue was the Knoxville Convention Center, allowing for more space and larger breakout rooms. With the 2026 theme of “The Future of Behavioral Health,”…

  • Spring Break Social Justice Trip Creates Meaningful Impact for Students

    Spring break provided the perfect opportunity for UTCSW students to visit the nation’s capital for a Social Justice trip that created a meaningful impact and thoughtful reflection.    Students from across all UTCSW programs, including the BSSW, MSSW, PhD, and DSW, traveled to Washington, D.C. and spent two days at the National Museum of African…

  • Faculty News

    The UTCSW Faculty have been busy during the spring semester. Through publishing important research, expanding research overseas, serving in fellowship programs, and even winning awards, these scholars are making the world a better place every day and in every way. Fiona Doherty Dr. Fiona Doherty has been selected as a Fellow for the National Science…