Campus Walk With UK College of Social Work Dean Jay Miller
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2020) — It's a daunting but necessary task — serving the most vulnerable members of our community. In a world filled with social injustices and inequality, communities need continued support.
The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky is embarking on a strategy to improve Kentucky communities and the lives of the families who call those communities home.
In this Campus Walk, go inside the UK CoSW to discover the exciting, innovative research that's taking place, as well as how students, faculty and staff are working collaboratively to impact the Commonwealth and beyond.
“We engage students where they are. We are extremely supportive, and we are academically rigorous,” Jay Miller, dean of the College of Social Work, said. “For folks who are interested in embarking on a path in a helping profession, there’s no better work than social work.”
About Jay Miller
Miller is at the helm of many endeavors in the CoSW and brings passion to his work as an educator and scholar. He is currently the associate dean for research, an associate professor and director of the Self-Care Lab. Miller has spent his career committed to improving the lives of children, families and the professionals who serve them.
Miller earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Western Kentucky University. He also graduated with a master's degree in social work from Spalding University and a doctoral degree in social work from the University of Louisville.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Miller worked for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services and oversaw social service initiatives for the Department of the Army.
Miller also takes great pride in his research to determine how to best change the system. His academic interests focus on child welfare, youth involvement in juvenile systems and organizational wellness, areas in which Miller has published a number of research papers, books and conducted national and international presentations and lectures. He has been involved in a long line of inquiry that examines self-care among academicians and institutional factors that contribute to overall wellness.
Miller continues to be heavily engaged in foster care advocacy. He serves as president of Foster Care Alumni of America – Kentucky, where he consults and leads a myriad research projects and initiatives. Miller also serves as chairperson of the Kentucky Board of Social Work, among a host of other service endeavors.
