-
Hailey Crowe
Hailey Crowe is a first-generation college graduate from Knoxville, Tennessee. She earned her Associate of Science in Social Work from Pellissippi State Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from UTK…
-
Peter Kingsley
Peter Kingsley is an active-duty military member with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brigham Young University, as well as a master’s degree in education, focusing on applied behavior analysis, from Arizona State University, and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wyoming. In his clinical work, Pete has experience in working…
-
A Mission to Enhance Dementia Awareness in Ghana
A Mission to Enhance Dementia Awareness in Ghana Through Faith Leadership June is globally recognized as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The following story highlights the high-impact research of a UT scholar and her global efforts to educate communities and reduce stigma…
-
Brooke Benson
Brooke is a second-year Master’s student at the University of Tennessee pursuing a degree in Social Work. She has lived in Nashville for 10 years and considers it home. Brooke has a passion for bridging communities and participating in the work of empowering underserved and marginalized populations. Brooke has her background in psychology and counseling…
-
Miya Matusek
Miya Matusek earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in May 2024. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, based in Nashville. Upon graduation in May 2026, Miya will be certified in school social work and certified in…
-
Meet Nicole Choppin: Coverdell Fellow and MSSW Student
Nicole Choppin joined the Peace Corps with a clear goal: to fully immerse herself in a culture completely unlike her own. Drawn to the program’s emphasis on language training, long-term service, and community integration, she found herself in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia, ready to learn, live, and grow alongside the people there. Now back in…
-
Azalea Guzman
Azalea is a senior online BSSW student from Nashville. She speaks English and Spanish and has a strong connection to her Mexican roots. Azalea is a first-generation college student and understands the struggle of transitioning though the educational system. She hopes to be of support to any first-generation student. Azalea has an interest working with…
-
Two Nashville Faculty Members To Retire in Fall 2025
Dr. Thereasa (Teri) Abrams Dr. Thereasa (Teri) Abrams has been with the UT College of Social Work for eight years. As an assistant professor, Abrams taught in both the DSW and MSSW programs. Outside of the UTCSW, she was a six-year member of the quality committee of the American Burn Association, served two years as…
-
Examining the Indirect Effect of Dementia Caregiving Status on Mental Health Through Coping Resources
Dr. Fei Wang’s latest research, published in Research on Aging, uncovers how resilience plays a key role in shaping mental health outcomes among U.S. caregivers—especially distinguishing between those caring for individuals with dementia vs. non-dementia. The study also highlights how perceived gains from caregiving can enhance caregiver well-being. Caregivers of older adults with dementia generally…
-
Pilot Study to Assess Drinking at Bars or Events Located within Grocery Stores
A newly accepted manuscript by UTCSW Cooper-Herron Endowed Professor in Mental Health Dr. Bridget Freisthler, was completed with Honors Undergraduate students as part of a research class when Freisthler worked at Ohio State University. The novel piece is that grocery stores have been increasingly serving alcohol at bars located within the stores and creating events…