College of Social Work

News

  • International Social Work Class Built to Enhance Student Experience

    A new course was implemented this spring which allowed students an opportunity for real-world experience in the international realm. The course “International Social Work: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities through a UN Sustainable Development Goal Lens” highlights the global role of social workers, emphasizing how international social issues influence their work. Dr. Mary Gitau, UT College…

  • Social Work Students Dive Deep into Advocacy in Washington, D.C.

    The social work program took a Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) trip to Washington, D.C. during spring break. This trip provided students with invaluable first-hand experience in legislative and advocacy processes. The trip focused on real-world policy impact, empowering the social work students to become effective. Students met with the National Association of Social…

  • UTCSW Alum Named One of Nashville’s 30 Under 30

    UTCSW alum Carrie Deese was recently named one of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 Finest. Deese received her MSSW in 2020 along with the Trauma Treatment Certificate. Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 Finest is an elite recognition program and philanthropic fundraising competition showcasing Nashville’s most active young professionals and philanthropists under the age of 30.…

  • Spotlight on 2025 Graduates

    Congratulations to the class of 2025. Their hard work, determination, and perseverance paid off. These 2025 graduates embody what it means to be a volunteer. Read about some of these amazing students, who are soon to be UTCSW alums. MSSW Nashville Bushra AlammouriNashville, TN What makes this student stand out among other graduates from UT?…

  • Fourth Annual eVOLve Conference

    The fourth annual eVOLve conference was a success, reaching the maximum number of attendees for both in-person and virtual. The 2025 theme of “Meeting Community Needs” was woven throughout the day with the keynote speaker and breakout sessions. The conference boasted 387 in-person attendees and over 600 virtual participants, hailing from 27 different states, including Hawaii.…

  • Dr. Michael Blackwell Receives Award and Grant from Blue Buffalo

    Dr. Michael J. Blackwell, director of the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, recently received the Together for Pets Award, which was accompanied by a $10,000 grant from Blue Buffalo. Through this initiative, Dr. Blackwell aims to improve access to veterinary care, focusing on supporting underserved families and those with limited…

  • The Next Chapter: Moving to Stokely Management Center

    After months of planning and preparation, the UT College of Social Work opened its newlylogo-bearing doors to alumni, donors, students, friends, and community members, offering a peek inside the new “temporary” home of the college. The college has claimed the fifth and seventh floors of Stokely Management Center (SMC), creating a home for superior learning…

  • Innovative Contributions and Unparalleled Expertise Accompany New Faculty

    The UT College of Social Work welcomed three exceptional faculty members: DR. RUBÉN PARRA-CARDONA, Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair; DR. BRIDGET FREISTHLER, Cooper- Herron Endowed Professor in mental health; and DR. TIFFANY WASHINGTON, Associate Professor (health specialization). These faculty brought innovative contributions and unparalleled expertise in each of their respective fields. Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona…

  • A College on the Rise: Graduate Program Ranked Among Best in Country Direct Evidence that Strategic Plan Is Working

    In the latest rankings from the U.S. News and World Report, the UT College of Social Work moved from 46th nationally and 30th among public institutions to 24th among all social work programs in the country and 13th among public institutions. “As many of you know, these rankings are reputational, meaning that they are really based on how our peers…

  • The UT College of Social Work DSW Program Earns an Eight-Year Accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education

    The UT College of Social Work proudly announces that our Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program was recently awarded an eight-year accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA), reinforcing the college’s commitment to academic excellence and professional preparation in social work. The UTCSW DSW program is one of only three…