University of Central Florida School of Social Work

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Ashley Brevil who crossed the commencement stage this month with a Ph.D. in Public Affairs - Social Work Track! Her next steps? This exceptional grad will be serving as a social work supervisor with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

This spring she served as adjunct faculty with our School of Social Work and we’re happy to share that she’ll continue to lend her time and talents to us in this role this fall.

She is pictured here (center) with social work Associate Professor Asli Cennet Yalim, who served as her dissertation chair, and Associate Professor Trenton Marsh in the College of Community Innovation and Education.

05/12/2026

📢 Calling all social work alumni, you’re invited! Connect with and expand your professional network at our social hour on Friday, June 12, from 5:30–7:30 pm at Cantina Catrina. The event is held in conjunction with the NASW-Florida conference, but conference attendance isn’t required — this happy hour is your chance to mingle with both familiar faces and new friends in the field.

5 reasons to attend:
✨Good vibes + great conversation
✨Networking with fellow Social Work alumni, faculty, and friends
✨A casual, fun space to connect and recharge
✨Appetizers and beverages provided
✨The first 20 guests to arrive will receive TWO drink tickets and a special swag. All additional guests will receive one drink ticket.

RSVP today at https://foundation.ucf.edu/SW-Gathering

05/07/2026

Dedicated. Resilient. Compassionate. That’s the MSW graduates we know and admire. We’re incredibly proud of all you’ve achieved and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in your communities and beyond. Here’s to the next chapter and all the lives you’ll change as you unleash your potential!

05/07/2026

And just like that, the BSW graduates are off to their next chapter! As you step into a world full of possibilities, just know that you are more than prepared — and that we couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, and as always, Charge On! 🎓

05/05/2026

As graduation approaches, Media Ambassador Bobby reflects on his time as a Knight, his journey to earning his bachelor’s in social work, and his service and advocacy with UCF Student Government. Congratulations, Bobby ... and thank you for your leadership! Charge On!

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Director of Student Resources Adriana Kelly in the School of Social Work for receiving the Extra Mile Award at the 2026 CHPS Spring Assembly! 💛

Kelly supports more than 400 MSW students across the country who are enrolled in our online program, meeting each one with patience, warmth and a calm, solutions-focused approach. Whether students are navigating complex challenges or moments of uncertainty, she has a remarkable ability to turn stress into clarity—ensuring students feel heard, supported and confident moving forward. Her work also extends to faculty and staff, to whom she serves as a reliable partner and helps keep teams grounded and connected.

She is a proactive problem solver and advocate who anticipates needs, navigates systems with ease and ensures every student receives thoughtful, equitable support.

She is a dedicated and uplifting member of the CHPS community whose impact is felt every day. We’re proud to recognize her with this well-deserved award!

From left to right: MSW Assistant Director Christine Ferretti, MSW Program Director Shelley Hall, Adriana Kelly and Dean Matthew Theriot.

04/27/2026

Congratulations to Juan “Bobby” Escobar, a senior in the Bachelor of Social Work program, who has been named the 2026 Student Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)-Florida Chapter!

This honor recognizes academic excellence, leadership, community service, and commitment to advancing social justice. Throughout his time at UCF, Escobar has served as vice president of the BSW Student Association, senator with UCF Student Government, and is currently completing his field placement with Project Access Resource Centers.

He’ll be recognized at a ceremony this June and is headed to Florida State University this fall to pursue both his Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration.

Read more at:

Juan “Bobby” Escobar, a senior in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, has been named the 2026 Student Social Worker of the Year by the National

04/24/2026

A recent study found that male veterans are less likely to undergo intimate partner violence screenings. Associate Professor Bethany Backes from the School of Social Work says that discomfort among clinicians is a significant factor in preventing follow-up intimate partner violence (IPV) screening.

Learn more about these research findings and Backes' perspective in the Federal Practitioner below:

Male veterans are less likely than their female counterparts to be referred for follow-up questions when initial screening suggests they may be at risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), a recent large cross-sectional study finds. 

04/20/2026

Congratulations to Associate Professor Susanny Beltran on receiving the UCF Teaching Incentive Program Award.

This award honors their outstanding teaching productivity and excellence, as well as their commitment to advancing UCF’s goals of providing premier undergraduate education and achieving international recognition in graduate studies.

04/20/2026

Congratulations to Professor Kimberley Gryglewicz on receiving the UCF Research Incentive Program Award.

This award recognizes faculty for outstanding research, scholarly or creative activity that advances the body of knowledge in their field and contributes to UCF’s mission of achieving international prominence in research and innovation.