The UT College of Social Work’s (UTCSW) fifth annual eVOLve conference was a huge success with close to 500 people attending in person and over 600 people attending online. This year’s venue was the Knoxville Convention Center, allowing for more space and larger breakout rooms.
With the 2026 theme of “The Future of Behavioral Health,” it was a natural fit for Kristie Hammonds, President & CEO of Frontier Health, the region’s leading provider of behavioral health services, to deliver the keynote address. Hammonds has been with Frontier Health for over a decade, and her passion is to see that anyone struggling with addiction or mental health feels safe reaching out for help and has quick access to needed services. She also serves on a number of community, regional, and statewide boards, including the Northeast Regional Health Council and the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations’ Board of Directors, on which she serves as Legislative Chair.
Longtime College of Social Work partners, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services served as lead sponsors for the conference.
In addition to multiple breakout sessions, more than 15 college community partner organizations participated in the Community Partner Mingle, allowing participants to network, learn more about the organizations’ missions and services, and learn about any open positions within the organizations.
A pre-conference celebration was held the evening prior at Regas Square which included special awards, delicious food, music, and dancing.
Three prestigious awards were given to very deserving alumni and friends:
Outstanding Alumnus Award
Dr. Bree Conklin
Magnolia Harbor Carefarm
The Heart of Social Work Award
Tracy Denham
First Foundations- Knoxville
Light the Way Award
Hola Lakeway
The UT College of Social Work is leading the way in preparing the next generation of behavioral health leaders. Through innovative research, extraordinary interdisciplinary collaborations and dual degree programs, and culturally responsive practice, the UTCSW is helping to shape a future where behavioral health services are more effective, more inclusive, and more accessible.
