Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work

Founded in:

1936

Enrollment:

475-500

National/State rankings:

There are over 200 accredited graduate programs in the US, and the Kent School is ranked 32nd by US News and World Report.

Rated the top social work program in Kentucky by US News and world Report.

Rated 28th among all public university programs by US News and World Report

Accreditations:

    http://louisville.edu/kent/about/accreditation

    Noteworthy programs based on national recognition, uniqueness or other criteria:

    • The only endowed chair nationally in Oncology Social Work – The Renato LaRocca Chair in Oncology Social Work, currently held by Karen Kayser
    • The only accredited Marriage and Family Therapy Program in the country that is integrated into an accredited social work education program.
    • One of the fastest growing social work programs in the country in regards to federal funding for external research - $15 million in total research funding portfolio, with more than half from federal sources

    Community Service:

    • Kent School Faculty serve on 50 to 75 community boards and committees each year.
    • Annually, approximately 250 students provide over 100,000 hours of service to about 5,000 Kentucky residents, valued at more than @2 million.
    • Student honors (external awards, scholarships, fellowships, etc.)
    • Students have won a number of statewide and National awards, particularly those in the field of gerontology. Several doctoral students have been awarded grants by the American Cancer Society to complete their doctoral research in cancer.

    Prominent alumni:

    • Dr. Alfonso R. Batres is the Chief Officer of Readjustment Counseling Service, Department of Veterans Affairs.  He has direct oversight of the 300 Vet Centers, 50 Mobile Vet Centers, and over 1,900 Vet Center staff providing readjustment services to war zone veterans and their families across the United States to include Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam.  Dr. Batres is a service-connected disabled Vietnam Veteran.
    • Dr. Betty Kramer, Professor of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison has been honored numerous times nationally for her work in the field of aging, particularly in regards to end-of-life research
    • John Rabun, Jr. is cofounder and current Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Missing and Exploited Center.
    • Helen Cloud Austin has been honored twice by the National Association of Social Workers; first as the National Social Worker of the Year and later as a Social Work Pioneer. She was inducted into the San Antonio Hall of Fame for her contributions to women in the state of Texas.

    Other:

    • Dean Terry Singer currently has been a dean longer than any other dean of social work in the country – presently in year 28; 15 of which have been at UofL. (as of 2011-2012)

    In 50 words or less, tell us what makes your school special:

    The Kent School of Social Work prepares students to work in a society with complex social problems and needs. Rapidly becoming one of the top research social work programs in the country, the School is able to provide current research information in the preparation of its students for work with individuals, families, and communities.