LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Anthony Traver, Ph.D., will be appointed as Assistant Professor of Social Work, bringing a strong background in social work research and practice, with a focus on housing insecurity among older adults.
With clinical experience in substance use treatment and housing programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, Traver’s research explores how stable housing impacts health and well-being later in life. He has led projects on “aging in the right place,” housing as a social determinant of health, and the effects of guaranteed income on older adults without housing. Traver was also a 2023–24 Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work Pre-Dissertation Fellow.
“Dr. Traver’s work sits at the critical intersection of housing, aging, and community wellbeing—areas of growing importance in our field. His commitment to research-informed practice brings timely and necessary expertise to our college,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement.
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Traver earned his Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Boston College and a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in May 2025.
Traver has published peer-reviewed work in The Journal of Aging and Environment, with additional research in The Gerontologist. He has co-authored several journal articles and technical reports and earned the 2024 Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Grand Challenges of Social Work: End Homelessness Doctoral Award.
In addition to his research, Traver has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in research methods and substance use theory. He also earned the 2024 Erlen Award from Ohio State’s College of Social Work in recognition of his academic achievement and service.
Prior to his doctoral studies, Traver worked in Portland, Oregon, as a substance use and mental health counselor before serving as the clinical supervisor at a permanent supportive housing program. His work emphasized the integration of housing and health services to support individuals with complex needs. He is also a licensed clinical social worker in Oregon.
Outside of his academic work, Traver recently got engaged to his partner Katy, a hospice and palliative care social worker, and is looking forward to rock climbing in the Red River Gorge and exploring the Kentucky countryside by motorcycle.