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Sara Ketchens
Sara is from East Tennessee and is a MSSW student at the University of Tennessee in the Advanced Standing program. She graduated with her BSSW from UTK in May of 2025. Sara’s main interest is in School Social Work with elementary school clients. She has completed her School Social Work License and is acquiring her Trauma Certification. Sara’s…
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Mackenzie Wright
Kenzie Wright is a passionate and dedicated student currently pursuing a Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University, where she developed a strong interest in the intersections of trauma, systemic inequality, and the criminal justice…
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Jax Russom
Jax is a senior in the online BSSW program. He is originally from Paragould, Arkansas, and now lives in Washington, DC. Jax is passionate about mental health and advocacy and plans to pursue a career in clinical social work, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Outside of school, Jax loves going to concerts (currently has been to over 30!), going to…
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Harper Kline
Harper Kline is a senior BSSW student from Nashville, TN, with a strong passion for child welfare, disability rights, and all aspects of equity and justice. She is a proud member of the Bachelor’s Social Work Organization (BSWO) and is deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities she has gained through both the College of…
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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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