Angela Thomas
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Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona Honored with Prestigious Award from the Society for Prevention Research
Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona, the University of Tennessee College of Social Work Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair, was honored with the 2026 Advances in Culture and Diversity in Prevention Science award by the Society for Prevention Research (SPR), a prestigious global prevention science organization. Recipients of this award are recognized for work to enhance understanding…
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Dr. Shelby McDonald Named the Director of the Center for Veterinary Social Work
The UT College of Social Work is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Shelby McDonald as the All Creatures Great and Small Endowed Professor, starting August 1. An internationally recognized scholar whose interdisciplinary work focuses on human–animal interaction (HAI), trauma, and health equity, McDonald also serves as Director of the UT Center for Veterinary Social…
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Dr. Ragan Schriver Spent Summer Championing Mental Health Well-Being
UTCSW Clinical Professor Dr. Ragan Schriver had a busy summer, but rather than spending all his time lounging by the pool, he traveled to various locations addressing mental health issues. Schriver presented at a conference hosted by the Tennessee Association of Community Action (TACA), a statewide organization that supports the local county community action agencies.…
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The UTCSW Advising Team puts the Success in Student Success
The UT College of Social Work (UTCSW) Student Success and Advising team empowers students through academic support, career preparation, and wellness resources, helping them thrive in their studies and future careers. The purpose of academic advising within the college is to support, guide, and assist social work majors with academic planning, career exploration, licensure, and…
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Climate Change May Be Making People Lonelier
Dr. Fiona Doherty recently published an article entitled “Social Connectedness and Extreme Weather Adaptive Capacity: A Participatory Photo Mapping Study in Rural Appalachia” in the Journal of Community Practice. The paper discusses how the intersecting crises of social disconnectedness and climate change-induced extreme weather create a reinforcing cycle of vulnerability, wherein extreme weather strains social…
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Faculty Achievements Take Center Stage: Promotions and Awards at the UTCSW
The University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW) faculty has had a busy and productive summer receiving well-deserved promotions and awards. The faculty continues to represent the college as comprehensive thought leaders in the industry. Brittany Adams was promoted to clinical associate professor effective July 1. Adams has been a member of the UTCSW…
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New Volunteer Outreach Program Aims to Reduce Isolation Among Older Adults
A new volunteer outreach initiative in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is helping connect older and vulnerable adults with critical resources, social support, and community services through trained volunteers and community partnerships. The Resources for Senior and Vulnerable Persons (RSVP) Program was developed with support from Dr. Lizzie Bowland, associate professor at the UT College of Social…
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Recent MSSW Grad Haylie Roberts Heads to Cambodia While Keeping an Eye on Food Insecurity in Knoxville
Haylie Roberts is a recent 2026 MSSW graduate who will be embarking on a Fulbright Fellowship in Cambodia where she will serve as an English teaching assistant to local schools. She has a strong interest in, and has conducted research on, food insecurity among older adults in Knoxville housing communities, and hopes to continue working…
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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…
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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…