LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) will join thousands of educators, researchers, and practitioners from across the nation at the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 2025 Conference, to be held October 23–26 in Denver, Colorado.
The annual conference, centered on advancing social work education and research, will highlight the College’s continued leadership in teaching, scholarship, and service. CoSW faculty, students, and alumni will present research, lead sessions, and receive national recognition for their contributions to the field.
CoSW Celebration in Denver
In conjunction with the conference, the College of Social Work will host an in-person CoSW Celebration for alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends on Saturday, October 25th from 7 to 10pm at Ace. Eat. Serve.
Guests are invited to connect with colleagues and friends for an evening of food, fellowship, and community. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance at this link.
Faculty and Student Recognition
Several CoSW representatives will be honored at CSWE 2025 for their achievements and contributions to social work education.
Dr. Kathryn Showalter, assistant professor in the College of Social Work, has been named one of the 2025 recipients of the Violence Against Women and Children Manuscript Award by CSWE’s Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education. The award recognizes early career scholars whose work advances knowledge in the field of violence against women and children.
In addition to her manuscript award, Showalter, along with CoSW faculty Dr. Laneshia Conner, Dr. Shelita Jackson, and Dr. Kristel Scoresby, will be recognized for their service and mentorship through the same council.
Crystal Campbell, a current doctoral student in the College’s Online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program, has also received a Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) recognition for her leadership in behavioral health and social work education.
CoSW Self-Care Challenge and Self-Care Suite
The College will also host an inaugural CoSW Self-Care Challenge during the annual conference. Designed to promote wellness among conference attendees, the challenge invites participants to engage in hands-on self-care activities, earn points, and climb the #CSWESelfCareChallenge leaderboard.
This challenge takes place within the CoSW’s signature Self-Care Suite, where guests can sign up for chair massages, morning yoga classes, companion walking activities, and opportunities for reflection and connection. Participants who complete activities can earn rewards while contributing to the College’s ongoing research on professional well-being in social work.
More information about the Self-Care Challenge and the College’s participation in CSWE 2025 is available at socialwork.cornettims.com/cswe-annual-conference.