These nine highlights represent 90 years of the school’s impact:

1. Kent School is recognized as the best social work program in Kentucky and nationally ranked as a top 50 social work graduate program based on U.S. News and World Report 2025 rankings.
2. Faculty and staff conduct research around the globe. The Kent School and its Center for Family and Community Well-Being has established and maintains a robust $27+ million research portfolio. The research – collaborative, community-based and evidence-driven – has been disseminated through a record 90 presentations and 60 professional publications. It continues to make a positive impact on hundreds of individuals, families and communities every day.
3. Kent School offers five degree programs, including the bachelor’s in social work, master of science in social work, master of science in couple and family therapy, doctor of philosophy in social work and doctor of social work program, which launched in 2021. Few social work schools offer a full array of programs to provide students an educational pathway that takes them from a bachelor’s to a doctoral degree.
4. While Kent School celebrates the milestone of 90 years, the PhD program, which now spans 120 graduates, 25 states and three countries, marks 30 years. Today, these graduates are embedded in 56 colleges and universities. Both of the school’s doctoral programs are directed by distinguished professors who are Society for Social Work Research (SSWR) Fellows. Anita Barbee and Heather Storer are part of this esteemed fellowship society which honors individuals for their accomplishments, leadership and contributions to the scientific society. Fellows serve as role models and mentors for individuals pursuing careers in social work research.
5. Through the work of Professor Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc, the Dr. Renato LaRocca Endowed Chair in Oncology Social Work, Kent School is helping to fill the gaps as the need for professionals in the specialty area of oncology social work continues to grow. Associate Professor Tara Schapmire recently received a five-year, $1.6 million grant to lead a national training initiative providing specialized training for 250 social workers across the United States.
6. UofL is one of only two universities in the nation that houses a couple and family therapy program in a school of social work. Established 30 years ago, the Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) Program, located on Shelby Campus, educates graduate students to become marriage and family therapists. In addition, the CFT program manages the Relationship Solutions Clinic, a valuable resource that offers therapy services to the local community. Services are provided by graduate level CFT students under supervision in a professional setting.
7. Our students are everywhere! Through practicum site placements across 31 states and two countries, Kent School students gained valuable hands-on learning experience by providing more than 124,000 hours of service working with local, national and global community partners from fall 2024 through spring 2025.
8. Kent School is a participating partner in Kentucky’s program, an innovative career preparation program for students interested in making a positive impact serving the children and families of Kentucky. Undergraduate students who enroll in this program receive benefits including free in-state tuition, mentorship, skills training and priority job placement after graduation. The Kent School staff member overseeing the UofL student participants, Emily Watts, is an alumnae and student in the DSW program. 
9. Each year, faculty design and host study abroad programs that expand upon classroom learning, engaging students in new cultural experiences. Past study abroad opportunities included trips to Belize, Peru and Vietnam.

The school recently celebrated 90 years of impact through education, research and service at an anniversary gala on March 28. Held at the Speed Art Museum, the event honored the past, present and future of the school.

A unique 90^th anniversary art collage entitled “Art of our Mission,” facilitated by Kent School alumnae Toya Northington ‘18 and Kent School professor Lesley Harris, represents the contributions of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. Pieces of the collage were on display at the gala, and the final compilation will have a permanent home in the Kent School’s Oppenheimer Hall.

UofL News: How does it feel to be a first-generation graduate?

Brown-Lewis: It feels both humbling and an honor! I have been afforded many privileges in my life despite having many other shortcomings. I was fortunate to have a village made up of family, friends and mentors that aided in my success over the years. Yes, I am a first-generation graduate, but this success speaks more to my family’s ability to love me through this journey. It’s been an honor to represent my family in these spaces and chart the path to being a good ancestor. 

UofL News: What were the biggest challenges you overcame during your educational journey?

Brown-Lewis: The biggest challenge I had along this journey was losing my grandparents in April 2021 and October 2021. My grandparents raised me while my mother worked during my childhood and early adolescence. Losing them was so hard because they had a ninth and 11th-grade education and sacrificed everything. They wanted to raise a family and I am the fruit of their labor. They won’t get to see what they produced and that to me is heartbreaking. My grandmother said to me during the summer of 2019 when I was living with her as she was going through chemo, “I never dreamed I graduated high school, but I did dream I graduated college.” I am her wildest dream.

UofL News: What drove you to complete your degree?

Brown-Lewis: I have a duty to see these degrees through because of all the hard work and sacrifice of my village, especially my mother. I wanted to ensure the seeds they planted in me did not die because the journey was too rough. I was driven by my family and Brielle, my cousin-niece, because she must see that achieving great things is possible and that nothing can stop her except herself. It has been hard, but I, too, must sacrifice as my grandparents did to plant the seed in the next person to go and be as great as they imagine.

UofL News: Why did you choose UofL?

Brown-Lewis: The Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science was always a dream of mine. Being a social worker and a licensed therapist was always my dream, and when I came out of UK, I knew exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to study – social work at the Kent School.

UofL News: You have a passion for youth and are engaged in some amazing work in the city. Tell us about that.

Brown-Lewis: I am the youth engagement specialist for the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods in the mayor’s Office of Innovation. I engage with the mayor’s youth implementation team which teaches youth social-emotional and political development through the application of social justice youth development. The youth engage in this type of development to work toward creating policy resolutions. One of these policy resolutions is then taken to the National Conference of Mayors. I also work with other youth-serving organizations to coordinate services for youth across Louisville. 

UofL News: What is next for you?

Brown-Lewis: Continuing work in youth development and the macro applications of policy work and social justice youth development. I will be starting my career as a therapist and work diligently to fuse both the macro work and micro work. Next for me is rest! The last seven years of schooling has been a challenging journey and I have reached the end. One day I will pursue a higher degree in public health or family sciences. 

UofL News: What advice do you have for other social work students?

Brown-Lewis: Follow your dreams despite naysayers. Find the gap in services and fill it, be creative, don’t do something unless you love it. Intentionally invest in your personal and professional life, and get a therapist!