LEXINGTON, Ky. – Throughout National Social Work Month and National Criminal Justice Month this March, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) will be sharing stories about the humans of the CoSW, highlighting the critical role our people play in supporting individuals, families and communities across Kentucky and beyond.
Dr. Tarkington J Newman, associate professor and director of the Sport Social Work Research Lab, sat down with the CoSW to share more about their career in social work and what National Social Work Month means. Arriving at the CoSW in the fall of 2023, Newman’s work explores how sport and recreation can be used to promote healthy youth development.
What inspired you to pursue work in the social work field, specifically in your research area of sport social work and positive youth development?
My two passions collided during my MSW program, where I was able to integrate my school social work training with my background in coaching. I was empowered to really craft my own practicum experiences, where I was able to begin conceptualizing how coaches could leverage social work values, knowledge, and skills to promote the healthy development of youth.
What are you most proud of thus far in your career?
As I progress throughout my career, I’ve been so privileged to work with and mentor students. I am continually inspired by their passion, creativity, and genuine desire to make change through novel research studies and innovative research methods.
What impact do you hope your research makes on Kentucky, nationwide, and internationally?
The goal of my research is to amplify the voices of youth, athletes, and coaches—sharing their stories of advocacy, triumphs, and resilience. My hope is that these stories will empower those involved with sport to prompt meaningful change in their own communities.
What has been your favorite part of being a faculty member at the CoSW so far?
The CoSW is a mosaic of experience and expertise—as a researcher, it’s motivating to work with such innovative faculty, staff, and students each day.
What advice do you have for aspiring sport social work professionals?
Get involved—you can only learn so much from the sidelines!
What’s coming up? Any new projects or initiatives?
With the amazing support of our campus and community partners, hardworking team of practicum students, and leadership from Drs. Carlyn Kimiecik and Matt Moore—the Sport Social Work Research Lab will be (co)hosting a variety of events throughout the spring semester. Be sure to be on the lookout for more information about the National Social Work & Criminal Justice Month UK Baseball game (March 31), Lunch and Learn roundtable about youth sport programs (April 9), the annual Global Games campus event (April 15), and the Mind in Motion Mental Health Symposium with Fredrick Douglass High School (April 17).
What does National Social Work Month mean to you and why is it important to recognize the work being done in the field?
It’s an opportunity for a moment of not only reflection, but celebration, of the individuals, families, and communities with whom the social work profession is devoted to empowering and uplifting.