By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
The University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work honored the achievements of its graduating students during the Spring 2025 Celebration of Excellence on May 8. The event recognized Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, and PhD in Social Work graduates for their academic success, leadership, research and community service.
Hosted by Dean Kirk A. Foster and program directors across all degree levels, the celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, families and friends to applaud a wide range of accomplishments. The ceremony featured the revival of the school’s hooding tradition, the presentation of dozens of awards and remarks from distinguished alumni.
“We see you. We appreciate you. And tonight’s celebration belongs to you as well,” Foster told the audience. “Your resilience and passion have brought you to this moment, and it’s truly an honor to celebrate your success.”
The evening recognized students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average, served in leadership roles, and completed graduate-level research. Undergraduate student Heather Parker was named Outstanding Bachelor of Social Work Student, while ShaReé Gill and Josselin Reyes received the Outstanding BSW Practicum Student Award. Darnysha Clayborne and Chloe Cagle were honored as Outstanding BSW Student Veteran and Military-Connected Student, respectively. Minor program awards were presented to Erika Soltero Solano (Social Justice and Social Welfare), Paulina Pantoja Vazquez (Diversity Studies), and Lauren Karnes (Substance Use Treatment).
Graduate-level recognitions reflected the diversity of specialties within the MSW program. Bailey Garcia was named Outstanding MSW Student in Community and Administrative Practice; Jessica Lampert in Aging; Maura Stewart in Health; Deaveonne Jackson in Children and Families; and Megan Alsop in Mental Health and Substance Misuse. Lecia Edwards was honored as the Outstanding Advanced Practicum Student. Pyeonghwa Kim and Stephen Silva-Brave received the Outstanding MSW Graduate Research Assistant Award, while Corondius Anthony Smith and Yerahi Cruz Lopez were recognized as the Outstanding MSW Student Veteran and Military-Connected Student.
Doctoral students Jessica Cassidy and Lacey Jenkins were both recognized for their academic and professional impact. Cassidy received the Outstanding PhD Student Award, and Jenkins was named Outstanding PhD Graduate Research Assistant.
Cassidy Brady-Hatfield, a triple UTA alumnus and assistant court investigator for Tarrant County, delivered the alumni keynote address. Reflecting on his personal and professional journey, he encouraged graduates to remain grounded in their values and assured them that they are equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
“If you hear nothing else I say this evening, please hear me say that you can do it,” Brady-Hatfield said. “You have what it takes for whatever comes next.”
Brady-Hatfield’s message resonated with MSW graduate Lecia Edwards, who said the recognition reaffirmed her readiness for the field.
“Being recognized tonight made me feel seen,” Edwards said. “The advanced practicum gave me confidence, and I’m leaving here knowing I’m ready to lead.”
The ceremony also recognized undergraduate and graduate student leaders who served as mentors, advocates and community builders throughout the academic year. Leaders from student organizations including the Phi Alpha Honor Society and the Queer Social Work Association were applauded for their work in promoting equity and engagement across the school.
Dr. Sophia Fantus, director of the Master of Social Work program, said the Celebration of Excellence reflects the heart of the profession.
“Our students don’t just complete assignments—they lead, they serve and they advocate,” Fantus said. “Tonight is a recognition of their hard work and a celebration of the impact they are already making in their communities.”If making a return during the event was a hooding ceremony, in which MSW and PhD graduates were presented with academic hoods by the School of Social Work faculty, signifying their entry into the next chapter of their professional lives.
Doctoral candidates Jessica Cassidy and Lacey Jenkins were hooded by faculty mentors in recognition of their completed dissertations. Cassidy’s research focused on dementia prevention in rural older adults, while Jenkins examined the role of family resource centers in preventing child maltreatment.
Following the hooding ceremony, in a symbolic gesture of transition, all students participated in the School of Social Work’s pinning ceremony, led by MSW alumna and Child Protective Services supervisor Kay Brady-Hatfield.
The Celebration of Excellence served as both a capstone and a call to action. As students embraced their new titles, faculty reminded them that the work of social justice, advocacy, and healing was just beginning.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” Foster said in closing. “Tonight is about recognizing your journey, your growth, and the impact you will make in the world.”
