Shelita Jackson
Clinical Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise
- SW 875: Teaching and Learning for Social Work Educators
- SW 580: Substance Abuse Counseling
- SW 470: Senior Seminar
- please note, this is an abbreviated list of most recent courses taught
Highlighted Publications
- Conner, L., Watts., K.J., Jackson, S., & Scoresby, K. Reframing introversion as a pedagogical and leadership asset in social work education (under review)
- Jackson, S. (2021). Faith, resilience, and practice: Relationship as a medium for connected teaching. Social Work and Christianity, 48(1), 106-110.
- Jackson, Shelita Lynn. Identity, role experience, and relationships: An exploration of relational health with faculty of color in social work education (2021). Doctor of Social Work Banded dissertation. 78.
Current Projects
- Substance Abuse Training feature: https://socialwork.uky.edu/college-of-social-work-celebrates-first-completions-second-cohort-of-substance-use-counseling-undergraduate-training-program/
Student & Research Availability
- Research or Interest Area Key Words: relational health and wellness, mentorship, social work education
Alma Mater
DSW- University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN MSW- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA BSW- Eastern University, St. Davids, PA
Get to Know Shelita
Dr. Shelita Jackson holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Eastern University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. In August 2022, Dr. Jackson joined the College of Social Work as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Her research interests encompass relational health and wellness, social work education, and mentorship. In June 2024, Dr. Jackson was appointed Director of BASW Undergraduate Studies.
Dr. Jackson is a member of several esteemed organizations, including the Council on Social Work Education, the National Association of Social Workers’ inaugural Committee on Disability, the board of directors for the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, the Kentucky Association of Professional African American Women, Forbes BLK, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Dr. Jackson has been awarded several prestigious honors. She is a 2025 recipient of the College of Social Work’s Outstanding Teacher Award, a Women’s Council Mentor Recognition award, a 2026 Catalyst award, and the University of Kentucky’s 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award. Dr. Jackson firmly believes in her role as an educator, mentor, and catalyst for positive change.