University of Tennessee College of Social Work

06/05/2026

✨ Alumni Spotlight: Linda Garza (MSSW '91) and Marcos Garza (MSSW '98, JD '01)

We’re proud to celebrate the incredible impact of UT College of Social Work alumni, mother-son duo Linda and Marcos Garza! They embody the heart of social work: compassion, action, and hope.

Linda’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities. Marcos uses his social work skills to empower clients and advocate for justice.

Linda says: “There are so many career options with an MSSW. I always encourage people to take
every occasion to network with agencies, organizations, and professionals in related fields, knowing it can help guide them through all the choices of future careers and goals. I am the perfect example of ‘you just never know where the path may lead you.’”

Read more about their inspiring journey and join us in celebrating two of our amazing UTCSW alumni!
https://csw.utk.edu/annual-report-2025/from-crisis-calls-to-community-leaders-the-inspiring-journey-of-linda-and-marcos-garza/

06/03/2026

We’re excited to share how the UT College of Social Work is helping launch the new Resources for Senior and Vulnerable Persons (RSVP) Program in Oak Ridge, TN. This partnership connects older adults with vital resources, social support, and community services through trained volunteers and community partnerships.

Developed with leadership from Dr. Lizzie Bowland (UTCSW Associate Professor) and graduate student Alana Thompson, RSVP is making a real difference with a 20-hour volunteer training curriculum. Volunteers are taught to provide wellness visits, resource referrals, companionship, and early identification of concerns like isolation, mental health needs, and safety.

As Dr. Bowland explains: “The Oak Ridge Police Department noticed there were a lot of people that weren’t getting services and weren’t connected with the right kinds of services. They wanted to start a volunteer program in Oak Ridge, and they wanted to train volunteers to support older and vulnerable adults.”

“We were able to partner with key stakeholders in the Oak Ridge community,” Thompson said. “The goal was really organizing the resources and helping volunteers identify needs, so people weren’t falling through the cracks.”

Learn more about the RSVP Program and how it’s transforming lives: https://csw.utk.edu/news/new-volunteer-outreach-program-aims-to-reduce-isolation-among-older-adults/

06/02/2026

Congrats to Social Work student, Desiree Bland, on this amazing achievement!

Sixteen UT students have received Gilman Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State to support their studies or internships abroad.

06/02/2026

Big congratulations to our Social Work Dean's List students!
‼️ 80% of our BSSW students made the spring 2026 Dean's List 🤯
Amazing work...we are so proud of you!

https://ow.ly/48Ow50Z6oAR

06/01/2026

UTCSW PhD student and CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship recipient Sangmi Kim recently participated in the Fellows Forum and Capitol Hill meetings in Washington, D.C. This meaningful experience connected social work research, policy, and advocacy. We're proud of you, Sangmi!

05/30/2026

Our amazing PhD student, Sangmi Kim, received the 2026 Morton M. Silverman Student Award from the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). The award was presented during the 2026 AAS Annual Conference in St. Louis. Congratulations, and way to go Sangmi! 🎉👏👏👏

05/29/2026

Curious about a degree in social work? Join us next week for these Info Sessions to learn more about our BSSW programs at UTCSW! 🍊

*Tuesday 6/2 - online zoom (6:30pm)
*Thursday 6/4 - in person at our Knoxville campus (10am)

🔗 Register today: tiny.utk.edu/infosessions

05/28/2026

Our colleagues at the University of Tennessee Center for Pet Family Well-Being are leading the nation’s first-ever study on access to dog behavior and training support!

With nearly half of U.S. families sharing life with a dog, the Access to Behavior Care Research Project will study who has access to behavioral care for their dogs. Supported by Maddie’s Fund®, this groundbreaking project will help ensure ALL dogs and their people have the resources they need to thrive.

We’re proud to see Center for Pet Family Well-Being at the forefront of advancing One Health for pets and families nationwide!

Dr. Michael Blackwell: "By applying a One Health framework, we are building the knowledge base needed to ensure that all families, regardless of income, geography, or background, can thrive alongside their pets."

🔗 Read more here: https://ow.ly/lSbV50Z3gbg

05/27/2026

Register now for our next Continuing Education program!
📆 Wednesday, June 24 ⏰ 10amET 💻 Live Webinar
Topic: Clinician Self-Care and Intuitive Practices in Continually Unprecedented Times

🔗 To Register: tiny.utk.edu/perkins

05/27/2026

✨ Alumni Spotlight: Haylie Roberts (MSSW '26)

Big congrats to recent MSSW grad Haylie Roberts, who’s off to Cambodia on a Fulbright Fellowship to teach English while still championing food security for older adults back home in Knoxville.

While at UTCSW, she did research with the local community through the Social Justice Innovation Initiative grant. She found an urgent need for affordable, fresh food in our community.

Hailey said, "When community members name a problem, I feel it is important to bring awareness to it and carry the burden alongside them."

Read more here:
https://csw.utk.edu/news/recent-mssw-grad-haylie-roberts-heads-to-cambodia-while-keeping-an-eye-on-food-insecurity-in-knoxville/