Kentucky State University’s School of Social Work celebrates job placements, applied research, and student achievement across the Class of 2026

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Several Kentucky State University social work graduates are leaving the Hill with more than a diploma. They are also stepping into work that will place them directly alongside children, families, and communities across Kentucky.

The University’s School of Social Work is celebrating a strong 2025–2026 academic year marked by job placements, applied research, leadership, and student recognition. The clearest measure may be what comes next for graduates who are already moving from field education into professional service.

Tamia Ann-Marie Roper of Indianapolis has secured employment with Embrace Consulting LLC as a case manager. Shelby Mackenzie Bell of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Paris Wardlow of Bowling Green, Kentucky, have secured positions with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services as Social Service Worker I professionals through CW PREP.

CW PREP, or Child Welfare Preparation, is connected to Kentucky’s Public Child Welfare Certification Program. The initiative prepares qualified social work students for public child welfare careers through specialized coursework, field placements, tuition support, stipends, and a pathway to employment with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

For Kentucky State students, that pathway connects classroom learning with one of the most demanding and important areas of public service. Dr. Angela Williams, chair and BSW program director of the School of Social Work, provides direct leadership for the program, including academic advising, CW PREP coordination, and student placement outcomes.

“These placements reflect the purpose of social work education at Kentucky State,” Dr. Williams said. “Our students are prepared through classroom instruction, field education, advising, and professional mentorship so they can enter the workforce ready to serve children, families, and communities with competence and care.”

The Class of 2026 social work graduates represent communities across Kentucky and the nation. In addition to Bell, Roper, and Wardlow, the class includes T’Naya Gee of Indianapolis; Taniya Jackson of Columbus, Ohio; Nevaeh Precious Jordan of Marion, Indiana; Elizabeth Gabrielle Mays of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; Isaac Malik Mitchell of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Kelly Anne Simons of Salem, Indiana; Justin Kanye West of New Orleans; and Vinique A. Wonsley of Chicago.

Their preparation for the field was visible throughout the year. At the 2026 Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase, social work graduates presented research and capstone projects shaped by field education and practicum experiences. Their work addressed youth aging out of foster care, preventive mental health services, care coordination for older adults, juvenile justice reform, adolescent mental health, transitional housing, trauma-informed care, parental incarceration, substance use, and community collaboration.

Bell and Wardlow also presented during the Kentucky State University President’s Leadership Meeting, sharing research findings and professional experiences gained through CW PREP and practicum placements. Wardlow served as Kentucky State’s CW PREP ambassador during the 2025–2026 academic year, helping support recruitment and offering students firsthand insight into the program.

Bell represented the School of Social Work at the 2026 Baccalaureate Assembly by delivering the Inspirational Address. Gee also made history as the first student in the history of Kentucky State University’s School of Social Work to complete the Bachelor of Social Work program and graduate in three years.

The year also included recognition for academic achievement, leadership, and service. Imani Williamson received the Outstanding Junior Award, Gee received the Outstanding Senior Award, Israel Gorman received the Ethel McClendon Award, and Jordan received the Ada Doss Campbell Community Service Award.

Dr. David L. Shabazz, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the accomplishments reflect strong student preparation and the leadership of the School of Social Work.

“The School of Social Work is preparing graduates for meaningful careers in areas where trained professionals are urgently needed,” Dr. Shabazz said. “These outcomes speak well of our students, our faculty, and the mission of Kentucky State.”

The Social Work Club earned Best Departmental Club and Best Collaboration Event with the Office of Student Activities at the 2025–2026 BRED Awards. Freshman social work major Tiahna Bowman earned All-SIAC First Team honors at second base for Kentucky State, and freshman social work major Amariyea Gamble was crowned 2026–2027 Miss Krimson & Kreme.

Together, the accomplishments point to a program focused not only on academic achievement, but also on readiness for the work ahead. For Kentucky State social work graduates entering case management, public child welfare, and related service fields, that work has already begun.