Angela Thomas
-
PhD Student Ilana Shtivelman Brings Valuable Insights Back from the ISGAP Oxford Summer Institute
UTCSW PhD student Ilana Shtivelman attended the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) in the United Kingdom over the past summer. The institute is committed to fighting antisemitism and is dedicated to scholarly research into the origins, processes, and manifestations of global antisemitism and of other forms of prejudice, including various…
-
Connection, Community, Education: A First-Generation Journey
Many talented practicing social workers have considered getting a doctoral degree but aren’t sure whether to actually pursue the degree. First-generation scholars— those who don’t have a parent with a graduate degree—may have even more questions about advanced study. What is the benefit of the degree? What is the difference between a Doctor of Social…
-
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. Originally founded as the Office of Continuing Social Work Education (OCSWE), SWORPS has evolved into a research center that provides specialized professional education, research, and evaluation…
-
2025 Annual Report 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…
-
Dr. Kate Chaffin Named 2025 NASW-TN Social Work Educator of the Year
Dr. Kate Chaffin, Assistant Dean for Faculty Development and Clinical Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW), earned statewide recognition as the 2025 Social Work Educator of the Year from the National Association of Social Workers Tennessee Chapter (NASW-TN). The award highlights Chaffin’s dedication to preparing future social workers through innovative…
-
A World of Learning: UTCSW Students Reflect on Summer Abroad Experiences
This summer, a group of UT College of Social Work students traded classrooms for the streets of Rome, the communities of Kenya, and the neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. Through the UTCSW’s international study abroad programs, these students didn’t just earn course credit — they gained once-in-a-lifetime perspectives on global cultures, social work practices, and…
-
From Outreach to Impact: Collaboration is a Key Factor Toward Success
Community Outreach and Engaged Research are both important aspects of any college or institution. Often, they are independent entities with little intersection. But sometimes, in a perfect scenario, they not only intersect but also complement the outcome by incorporating multiple departments, making for a full circle moment. One example of this is a recent partnership…
-
ASPCA-Funded AVC Circle Reaches Nearly 350 Members
Conversations Expand on Access to Veterinary Care The Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Circle, a community of practice funded by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), has grown to nearly 350 members nationwide. The Circle is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions and breaking down barriers to veterinary care for families…
-
Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers and Insights from Pet Families
New Report Reveals Growing Barriers to Veterinary Care for Pet Families The Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) has published Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers and Insights from Pet Families. This new report updates and broadens the 2018 national study by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition. The latest research offers a timely view of…
-
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. “I wanted a more hands-on education and to feel like I…