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UK College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Eva Nyerges as Faculty

LEXINGTON, Ky. —The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CosW) is proud to welcome Dr. Eva Nyerges as a Lecturer, marking a homecoming for a scholar, practitioner, and UK Alumnus whose commitment to service and education has spanned communities both local and global. 

A Central Kentucky native, Nyerges returns to the Commonwealth after several years of academic and professional work in Michigan. Though her path has taken her across state lines, she describes her journey back to Lexington as one rooted in purpose and place. 

“I’m thrilled to be back in the Bluegrass,” Nyerges shared. “This is where my passion for social work was shaped, and I’m excited to contribute to a college that played such a foundational role in my own life.” 

Nyerges earned her MSW from CoSW in 2015 and her PhD in Social Work from the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work and Family Science in 2023. She brings with her an impressive record of scholarship, instruction, and hands-on experience, particularly in service of refugee and immigrant communities. 

“Dr. Nyerges brings a remarkable blend of lived experience, scholarly rigor, and a deep commitment to community-engaged practice,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her return to CoSW not only reflects the strength of our alumni network—it also enhances our ability to prepare students for responsive, justice-driven social work.” 

From 2015 to 2019, Nyerges served as a case manager and program director at Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Louisville, leading support initiatives for older adult refugees and their families. As she pursued her doctorate, she served as a research assistant while also teaching at Spalding University and the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. Throughout her career, she has also mentored future social workers as a dedicated field supervisor for BSW and MSW students. 

In addition to her professional and academic credentials, Nyerges holds a bachelor’s degree in French and Anthropology from Centre College—an early signal of the global perspective that has continued to shape her work. 

When she’s not teaching or conducting research, Nyerges enjoys collecting signed books by some of her favorite thought leaders. Among her prized possessions? Personal signatures from Jane Goodall and Trevor Noah. 

Connect with Dr. Nyerges on LinkedIn and join us in welcoming her back to Central Kentucky and to the UK College of Social Work. 

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Army-UK Social Work students help San Antonio kids get ready for school

SAN ANTONIO — On a hot August afternoon, dozens of children filed into Briscoe Elementary School, leaving with bright new backpacks, notebooks, and pencils in hand. For nearly 200 students, the supplies meant a smoother start to the school year. For three Army social work students, it was a chance to practice what they’re learning: service, community, and care. 

First Lieutenant Tiffany Tanalgo, Second Lieutenant Cody Mills, and Second Lieutenant Colin Burnside, all graduate students in the Army–UK Master of Social Work program, spent their day helping organize and distribute the donations. The trio is currently completing their foundation practicum at Brooke Army Medical Center’s Residential Treatment Program, where they’re training to address behavioral health needs in military populations. 

But when Briscoe Elementary needed hands to run its back-to-school drive, the students showed up. 

“They were quick learners, adaptable, and a real pleasure to work with,” said Capt. Teddy R. Medina, an Army social work intern who supervised the students during the event. “They were a huge help with the execution of this event to distribute school supplies. Truly great to get to know and work alongside them.” 

The UK College of Social Work has offered this one-of-a-kind master’s degree in partnership with the Department of Defense since October 2016.  The goal is to develop well-qualified clinical social workers to fill positions across military service branches.  

Students complete graduate-level coursework through UK’s College of Social Work while fulfilling rigorous military training. In recent years, the program has been spotlighted for producing graduates who bring both clinical skill and cultural understanding to some of the Army’s toughest mental health challenges. 

Colonel Teresa D. Murray, the program’s director, called the recognition from BAMC a testament to the caliber of the students and their broader mission. “Our students are committed not just to serving soldiers, but to serving communities,” she said in a note to colleagues. 

For the children of Briscoe Elementary, the day may have been about pencils and paper. For the Army MSW students, it was another lesson in what social work, at its best, can mean: showing up, pitching in, and making sure others start the year with what they need. 

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Social Work Welcomes Dr. Rebecca Hill as Assistant Professor 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Rebecca “Becky” Hill, DSW, LCSW, will be appointed as lecturer of social work. Hill brings more than two decades of experience in clinical social work, education, and cross-sector collaboration across Kentucky. 

Hill began her social work career at the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and has since held roles in public health, community mental health, private practice, medical social work—including in the emergency department and outpatient pediatrics at UK HealthCare—and higher education. She has previously served in the UK community as a team member at the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center and as a part-time instructor with the CoSW. 

“Dr. Hill’s extensive experience across Kentucky’s local systems—from state agencies to health care and higher education—offers a critical lens for our students,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, associate dean for faculty advancement. “Her insight into the unique challenges and strengths of our Commonwealth will enrich classroom learning and prepare our future workforce for impactful, community-informed practice.” 

Hill earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Eastern Kentucky University in 2000, her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kentucky in 2009, and her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from UK in 2024. She has been licensed in Kentucky since 2002, first as an LSW (2002–2009), then as a CSW (2009–2019), and has held her LCSW since 2019. 

Throughout her career, Hill has been known for her client-centered approach, trauma-informed care, and deep commitment to mental health advocacy. She is particularly passionate about integrating clinical education into community-responsive frameworks that address both individual and systemic needs. 

Outside of her professional work, Hill is the proud parent of two teenage sons. She enjoys spending time outdoors—often hiking or gardening—and can frequently be found with a good book in hand between family activities. 

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Munoz joins CoSW faculty, continues pedagogical leadership 

The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Dr. Lindsey Munoz will start an appointment as a clinical faculty member, where she will continue shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Munoz joined CoSW in 2024 as the assistant dean of pedagogical possibilities, a role focused on enhancing instructional excellence, innovation, and accessibility. This fall, she expands her commitment to the College by also serving as a faculty member, bringing her student-centered approach directly into the classroom. 

“I’ve always felt a strong pull toward teaching,” Munoz shared. “Serving in an administrative role reminded me how much I value the connection with students—and stepping into a faculty role feels like the next step in my own professional growth.” 

That growth is guided by a teaching philosophy rooted in constructivism, relational-cultural theory, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive and transparent instruction. Whether developing new academic alert systems or advocating for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Munoz views access and success in education not as individual burdens, but as shared institutional responsibilities. 

Munoz has led College-wide efforts to enhance online learning, integrate responsible AI use, and apply data to improve instruction. Her work spans undergraduate through graduate programs and includes onboarding programs that make virtual classrooms more dynamic and engaging. 

Looking ahead, Munoz will continue prioritizing three key initiatives: 

  • Leveraging data to enhance academic decision-making and instructional quality, 
  • Strengthening faculty development across modalities, and 
  • Advancing instructional design systems that are accessible, aligned, and sustainable. 

“My goal is to support high-impact teaching that makes the College of Social Work a true destination for students,” Munoz explained. “We already have extraordinary faculty and curriculum. Now, we’re focusing on how we deliver those experiences to ensure connection, clarity, and long-term impact.” 

Outside of academia, Munoz brings a unique lens shaped by her work in mental health, public safety, and app development—and a surprising background as a nationally ranked BMX racer. “It’s not something that comes up often in meetings,” she joked, “but it definitely shaped how I think about discipline, resilience, and risk-taking.” 

Whether she’s working with instructional designers, mentoring new educators, or experimenting with new classroom approaches, Munoz continues to model what it means to learn, evolve, and lead with intention. 

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Social Work student supports mothers in recovery through PATHways program

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Marie Vice remembers what it felt like to be pregnant in early recovery: the fear, the hope, the invisible daily victories. It was a time of uncertainty and transformation—one that would ultimately set the course for her future. 

Now, years later, she spends her days walking alongside women navigating that same road. 

Vice is a student in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) Bachelor of Social Work (BASW) program and has worked with  UK’s Perinatal Assessment and Treatment home (PATHways) program for over a decade. PATHways supports pregnant and parenting women who are struggling with substance use disorders by offering comprehensive, trauma-informed care—integrating OB services, peer support, psychiatry, psychotherapy, and case management. 

“I know firsthand how hard it is to rebuild your life while also carrying new life,” Vice said. “That’s what brought me to this work. I wanted to be the person I needed back then.” 

Vice entered the PATHways program at 22 weeks pregnant. Two years after completing it, she was invited to join the team as a peer support specialist, thanks to a new federal grant secured by PATHways leadership. Since then, she has grown into a seasoned care provider, earning certifications as a prevention specialist, community health worker and targeted case manager. 

“As a prevention specialist, I get to build trust with patients in a really unique way because of my lived experiences,” she said. “Social work, at its best, meets people exactly where they are. It’s not about fixing someone. It’s about standing beside them while they figure out what healing looks like for them.” 

Vice’s early recovery journey was shaped by personal and relational challenges. She and her husband—both new to sobriety—struggled with accountability and co-dependence. But with time, education, and support, they learned to stabilize and grow. 

“I used to think there was only one way to recover. But I’ve learned recovery is different for everyone,” she said. “For me, it was learning to cope, identify triggers, the use of medication-assisted treatment, and accepting support from others. Accountability, support, and education changed everything for me”. Marie’s perspective has become a guiding principle in her work with patients. Whether she’s leading group sessions, coordinating care plans, or simply listening, Vice is intentional about meeting people with compassion—and helping them build a life they can sustain. 

Alongside her clinical work, Vice is earning her BASW through CoSW’s fully online program. The flexibility allows her to balance work, school, and family, while the content deepens her professional toolkit. 

“My courses have helped me put words to what I’ve experienced—and what I see in practice every day,” she said. “But the most meaningful part has been the connection. When a professor takes the time to really engage, it reminds me that I belong here. That my story matters.”

With her bachelor’s degree, Vice hopes to expand her scope of care, eventually offering therapy under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She’s also exploring the path toward graduate school—eager to continue growing as a practitioner and advocate. 

Vice sees advocacy as a critical part of the work both inside the clinic and out. 

“There’s still so much stigma. So much misunderstanding,” she said. “We need our communities and policymakers to understand that recovery is possible and that programs like PATHways are life-saving.” 

The work isn’t always easy. The outcomes aren’t always certain. But for Vice, the purpose is unwavering. 

This isn’t a ‘have-to’ job—it’s a ‘get-to,’” she said. “I get to walk alongside women as they heal from their past and grow for their future and their children’s future. I get to witness resilience unfold every day. I no longer ‘have-to’ survive, prove myself, or carry the weight of the past alone, and that’s a gift I don’t take lightly. I know—because I’ve been there. I’ve walked through the darkness and found my way to the other side. Now, every step I take with them is a reminder that recovery is possible, hope is real, and no one has to walk it alone.”

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Aubrey Jones Appointed Acting Director of Ph.D. Program at College of Social Work 

Dr. Aubrey Jones, assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), has been named acting director of the college’s Ph.D. program. She will serve in this role while Dr. Natalie Pope is on sabbatical through January 2026. 

Jones, a scholar-practitioner with deep expertise in maternal health, trauma, and digital support systems, joined the CoSW faculty in 2021. Since then, she has led several interdisciplinary research efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for underrepresented populations, particularly in the perinatal and postpartum period. Her work is rooted in community-engaged approaches that center access, equity, and lived experience. 

In addition to her academic leadership, Jones is a 2024–2025 Community Engaged Research Fellow and a recent nominee in the Community Action Council’s Unapologetically Woman series, which celebrates leaders advancing justice and well-being in Kentucky communities. 

“Dr. Jones’ scholarship and leadership embody the future of social work,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “She brings a thoughtful, collaborative, and research-driven approach to her work—qualities that make her exceptionally well suited to guide our Ph.D. program during this time.” 

Jones is a member of the college’s fourth Research Scholars Program cohort and a key contributor to initiatives that bridge academic research with real-world change. In her new role, she will oversee curriculum planning, student support, and faculty mentoring, ensuring continued excellence in doctoral education and research productivity. 

“Dr. Jones has consistently demonstrated her commitment to developing the next generation of social work scholars,” Duron added. “I am confident our doctoral students will benefit greatly from her guidance and support.” 

To learn more about Dr. Jones and her work, visit: https://socialwork.cornettims.com/faculty/jones-aubrey.  

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Dustin Roberson Joins the CoSW as Clinical Faculty 

Dustin Roberson, DSW, MBA, will start an appointment as a clinical faculty member at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW). A proud CoSW alumnus, Roberson brings a deep commitment to student learning, informed by years of experience in clinical practice, business leadership, and classroom instruction. 

Roberson has already made a lasting impression in the classroom, where his student-centered approach and practice-based insights have helped prepare learners for the realities of the field. Now, in his full-time role, he looks forward to further investing in the development of future social workers. 

“As a student, I had incredible interactions with faculty that shaped who I am,” Roberson shared. “Being able to provide that same level of mentorship and support is what drew me back to the College in a teaching role—and what makes this next chapter so meaningful.” 

A first-generation college graduate, Roberson understands the challenges many students face in navigating higher education. His teaching philosophy centers on meeting learners where they are, bringing real-world application into the classroom, and using his own experiences—including moments of failure—as teaching tools. “The field doesn’t always follow a textbook,” he said. “By bringing those real-life situations into class, I hope to equip students with the tools to think critically and respond confidently.” 

His research interests include substance use treatment, foster care systems, and healthcare accessibility—areas in which he brings both firsthand insight and a passion for improving outcomes. 

“Dustin has already made a strong impact in the classroom,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, associate dean of faculty advancement. “His commitment to practice-informed teaching and student success exemplifies what we value in our faculty. We’re thrilled to have him continue building on that momentum.” 

Outside the classroom, Roberson is full of surprises—he once attended Bethel University on a bowling scholarship and served as president of his high school church choir. 

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College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Alexis Bell as Clinical Assistant Instructor  

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The College of Social Work (CoSW) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Alexis Bell as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Kentucky (UK).

A Lexington native and two-time UK alumna, Bell brings a student-centered, experience-driven lens to her teaching and practice. Since earning her MSW from CoSW in 2020, she has worked in school-based mental health and student support roles with Fayette County Public Schools, first as a District Mental Health Specialist and later as a Family Resource Youth Services Center (FRYSC) Coordinator at the high school level. In both positions, she worked to eliminate barriers to students’ academic and social-emotional success through responsive programs and wraparound support. 

Bell began teaching in higher education in 2022 as an adjunct instructor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). She joined the UK MSW program as a Part-Time Instructor in 2023 and has also provided clinical services in private practice and hospital-based settings. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, a Master of Social Work from UK with a school social work certification, and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from UK with a concentration in social work education, completed in May 2025.  

“Dr. Bell’s lived experience, teaching expertise, and passion for student advocacy make her a powerful addition to our faculty,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her voice and vision will enrich our classrooms and strengthen our commitment to equity in education and social work practice.”  

Outside of her professional roles, Bell enjoys attending concerts, traveling, singing in her church choir, playing tennis, and shopping. 

To learn more about Dr. Bell’s work, visit her LinkedIn profile. 

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College of Social Work Welcomes Dr. Nicole McKenna as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to welcome Dr. Nicole McKenna as an Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice. 

With a professional background grounded in trauma-informed practice and youth-focused interventions, McKenna brings a depth of knowledge and lived experience to her academic work. She has served in many roles across the justice and social service spectrum, including as a case manager, peer advocate, adult substance use counselor, and after-school program manager for youth. 

Prior to joining CoSW, McKenna was an Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she also taught college-level courses inside a youth detention center. Her research incorporates community participatory action methods, emphasizing collaboration and equity in justice research. 

McKenna earned her bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Psychology from Westminster University in Salt Lake City. She holds a Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and a PhD in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. She completed postdoctoral research at the Rutgers University School of Social Work. 

“Dr. McKenna’s expertise in youth justice, trauma-informed care, and participatory research methods will be an incredible asset to our growing criminal justice program,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her teaching and research align deeply with our commitment to transformative, justice-oriented education.” 

“I’m really looking forward to joining the College of Social Work at UK in the new criminal justice program,” McKenna said. “Much of my experience and interest sits at the intersection of criminal justice and social work, and I am excited to be part of a program that embodies that. I’m eager to develop relationships with the community and UK’s students to create more trauma-informed and just approaches for supporting youth.” 

In addition to her academic accomplishments, McKenna is certified in Participatory Action Research, Trauma-Informed Care, and Restorative Justice.  

Outside the classroom, she enjoys hosting game and craft nights, watching reality TV (especially The Real Housewives), and spending time with her cat, Freya—who, according to her, quickly becomes everyone’s favorite. 

She is currently collaborating on a book and conference presentations exploring The Real Housewives of Crime, blending pop culture with criminological theory. 

To learn more about Dr. McKenna’s work, visit her LinkedIn profile. 

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Your Story Matters: Help Us Celebrate the Legacy of Social Work Alumni

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is launching Moving Forward, Looking Back, an alumni spotlight series honoring the generations of CoSW graduates whose work has shaped the field of social work through leadership, advocacy, and values-driven service.

Spearheaded by Ramla Osman, Director of Philanthropy, the initiative offers an opportunity to uplift and celebrate the profound contributions of alumni across eras and disciplines.

“Social workers have always been at the heart of meaningful change,” said Osman. “This series is a way to share their stories—stories of service, strength, and transformation—and to preserve their legacy for future generations.”

The first spotlight features Patricia Givens, an alumna whose international work in postwar Japan and later leadership in the U.S. exemplify the far-reaching and deeply human impact of social work. Her story is just one of many that reflects the enduring power and legacy of the profession.

Moving Forward, Looking Back will serve as a living archive, capturing the depth, expansion, and dedication of CoSW alumni who have turned social work values into lifelong missions.

If you—or someone you know—would like to be featured in this ongoing series, please connect with Ramla Osman at ramla.miller@uky.edu.

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