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Evan Nogales Baker
Evan is currently a junior in the BSSW Honors program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he’s passionate about making a difference through social work. One of his favorite things about being part of the College of Social Work is the strong sense of community and how it feels like one big family, which…
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PhD Candidate Kenyette Garrett Receives Yates Dissertation Fellowship
UTCSW PhD Candidate Kenyette Garrett was recently selected as a recipient of the 2025-2026 Yates Dissertation Fellowship. The Yates Graduate Fellowship Endowment is a legacy of the generosity of the estate of Arthur E. Yates (1915–1977), former president of Yates Bleachery Company and a dedicated friend of the University of Tennessee. Established in June 2000,…
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Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship Benefits UTCSW MSSW Students
The Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship was established in 2023 by the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee to address the growing demand for more behavioral health professionals. In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), the scholarship program is jointly administered by the Tennessee Association of Mental…
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Mobile Interprofessional Tandem Service Model Brings Services Directly to Rural Areas
A new mobile interprofessional tandem service model to enhance Social Work/Audiology/Speech Pathology Care in Rural East Tennessee counties is being implemented which will bring these services directly to rural areas. Many rural Tennesseans lack access to audiology (A) and speech pathology (SP) services due to a shortage of professionals, resulting in untreated impairments that burden…
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PhD Student Eliza Galvez Receives Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program Award
UTCSW PhD Student Eliza Galvez received a Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) award. She is the first PhD student to receive this fellowship since Dr. Lori Messinger became dean of the UT College of Social Work. MFP opportunities support the mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to…
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Shanimol (Shani) Shajimon
Shani has been an active contributor to community development and education, particularly focused on supporting children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in India. During her master’s program at St. Berchmans College, India, she undertook diverse research projects on topics such as Women Empowerment through Microenterprises, and Psychosocial Development of Psychiatric Patients through Vocational Rehabilitation. Her dedication to the…
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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…
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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…
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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.…