Angela Thomas

On a visit to the University of Tennessee in 2012, animal lovers Barbara and Eric Witzig were inspired by a meeting with Dr. Elizabeth Strand. As they learned about veterinary social work and its profound effect on the community and students, the couple’s interest grew. In 2014, they created the All Creatures Great and Small…

In a recently published study, Dr. Cronley analyzed the VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index – Service Prioritization and Decision Tool) scores for over 1,300 adults experiencing homelessness. The VI-SPDAT is widely used by service providers across the U.S. and in Canada to assess individual vulnerability in situations of homelessness and prioritize housing based on VI-SPDAT scores. In…

Dr. Andrea Joseph and a group of students have recently initiated podcast as part of the College’s Social Justice Innovation Initiative. The series: Addressing School Pushout of Black Girls will include four sessions and will be hosted by Andrea Joseph, PhD, Kelsey Cardin, Sarah Link, and Teralyn Hobbs, LCSW. Episode 1: School-to-Confinement Pathways will be…

Jennifer First, University of TennesseeKelsey Ellis, University of TennesseeStephen Strader, Villanova University Dr. Jennifer First received a grant from the Natural Hazards Center focused on Weather Ready Research. The research focuses on Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings: Examining Climatology, Vulnerability, and Protective Decision-Making. Severe weather can often include overlapping tornado and flash flood warnings. During…

Dr. Michael J. Blackwell is the recent recipient of the 2021 Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). “The AAVMC’s annual series of professional awards recognize outstanding veterinary medical educators who excel in various areas of academic veterinary medicine,” said AAVMC Chief Executive Officer…

As social workers, we value the importance of human relationships (NASW, 2017) built on communication and trust. We know that words are important. Words shape our thoughts, impact our feelings about ourselves and others, and structure the ways we interact with and understand the world. Words also carry the burden of our social histories, and…

Dr. Michael Blackwell and the Program for Pet Health Equity have been granted a $250,000 award from PetSmart Charities.  This award will support their AlignCare work with a special focus of expanding it and studying its application in BIPOC communities in the US. It will help connect families in those communities with veterinary service providers…

UTCSW new BSSW Online students were recently asked to reflect on their experience in the program. Everyone who was asked had positive things to say. Congrats to the program faculty and staff. And good luck to students as the second semester begins. “The preparation that went into designing this program and the relationships I have…