News
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Social Justice Innovation Initiative Projects Announced
For the 2024-2025 academic year, five Social Justice Innovation Initiative projects were funded. Aging Rainbow Coalition LGBTQ+ Outreach & Training InitiativeAwardees: Dr. Lizzie Bowland, UTK, Co-Chair, Aging Rainbow Coalition (ARC); Dr. Jennifer Smith, College of Nursing, UTK; Ms. Namrata Mukherjee, UTK, PhD Doctoral Candidate; Dr. Joseph Winberry, Chair of ARC, UNC; Jason Davis, UTK, administrative…
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Social Work as A Second Career
A series on UTCSW students who chose to start a second career in social work. Social Work is often referred to as a “found” major or career, meaning it is not the major or career that someone started out to do but was later found through personal experience or on the advice or recommendation of…
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Student Spotlight- Kamil Portis, DSW
Kamil Portis is currently in the DSW program and is expected to graduate in May 2025. Where do you currently work, and what does your work entail?I currently work as a Community School Coordinator in the public school system in metro Atlanta, Georgia. This position enhances my clinical skills while leveraging my leadership and organizational…
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Long-time CSW Director of Advancement Stephanie Piper Retires
Stephanie Piper, Senior Director of Advancement, to retire December 1, 2024. The College of Social Work announced that Stephanie Piper, Senior Director of Advancement, is retiring after 17 years in this role. During Piper’s years of service, the college has charted record growth in endowment, donor relations, board participation, and annual giving. Highlights include the…
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UTCSW Professor and MSSW Student Publish Study on Violent Political Rhetoric and Suicide Rates
Dr. Bill Nugent, professor at the UT College of Social Work, and former BSSW, now MSSW student Jaydah Lee recently published an article titled “The Relationship Between Violent Political Rhetoric and Suicide Rates” in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Their research explores how violent political rhetoric (VPR) may contribute to increased…
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A 37% drop in overdose deaths from drugs mixed with opioids – fentanyl included
Study campaigns expand to reach users of non-cocaine stimulants laced with fentanyl Expanded treatment options, increased naloxone distribution, and targeted education campaigns likely led to a 37% reduction in overdose deaths from opioids combined with stimulant drugs other than cocaine, according to the results of a large federally funded study. Bridget Freisthler, lead author of…
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Dr. Ruben Parra-Cardona Awarded National Hispanic Science Network 2024 Award
A Notable Honor during Hispanic Heritage Month Dr. Ruben Parra-Cardona, the CSW Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair, was recently awarded the 2024 National Hispanic Science Network (NHSN) award, which recognizes an established scholar with a research trajectory that integrates science and practice. This award is reserved for scholars with a long-term research trajectory aimed…
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Alumni Update – Kay Blakney, MSSW 1974
Kay Blakney received her MSSW from the Memphis campus in 1974. She recently turned 77 years old and spent some time reflecting on her social work career. She noted that her MSSW opened many doors for her in the profession and wants the upcoming generation of social workers to know what a fulfilling career they…
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Student Spotlight- Valerie Bogie, MSSW Online
Valerie Bogie is a second-year student in the MSSW Online program studying Veterinary Social Work. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2025. What interested you in studying Veterinary Social work?I have been working with animals since 2000. With a career spanning over two decades, I have extensive experience across diverse animal care settings, including a…
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University of Tennessee Launches One Health Forum: A Groundbreaking Online Platform to Advance Bonded Family Health Equity
The University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity recently launched the One Health Forum, a pioneering online platform. This unique initiative offers a collaborative space that is not only innovative but also dynamic, where professionals, policymakers, and community advocates can come together, share their insights, and drive impactful change. The One Health Forum is…