Shelita Jackson, DSW
Dr. Shelita Jackson, DSW, is the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, where she provides strategic leadership for undergraduate social work education, curriculum development, and faculty mentorship. She always knew she would pursue a career in education, initially starting as an education major during her undergraduate studies. However, after taking a EDU course in classroom management, she realized her true calling was addressing the broader social challenges affecting students’ ability to succeed. Her focus shifted to social work when she recognized that children’s well-being extended beyond academics to include access to food, safe housing, and secure environments for learning. This passion led her to social work, where she committed her career to supporting individuals and communities across healthcare, education, and social service systems. Throughout her career, Dr. Jackson has worked in diverse social service settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, where she developed expertise in clinical practice, student support, and community-centered care. Her professional journey ultimately came full circle as she transitioned into higher education, where she now prepares the next generation of social workers to serve their communities with compassion and cultural awareness. In her role as Director of Undergraduate Studies, she oversees program operations, curriculum design, academic assessment, and faculty support, while managing the complex systems that sustain high-quality higher education programs. She approaches leadership with intentionality, recognizing the responsibility that comes with institutional influence and using her position to expand access to opportunities for students and communities. Dr. Jackson’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in relationship-building, equity, and service. She is known for being highly relational in her work with students, faculty, and community partners, prioritizing mentorship and student success. Her professional mission is centered on creating inclusive educational environments where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Through her work, she remains committed to strengthening social work education, advancing workforce readiness in behavioral health and social services, and supporting the next generation of socially conscious leaders.
• Mental Health First Aid
• Eastern University- BSW
• University of Pennsylvania- MSW
• University of St. Thomas- DSW
• MLK Catalyst Award
• Outstanding Teacher Award
• Mentorship Recognition
• John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award
• Forbes BLK
• Council on Social Work Education
• The Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors- Board Member
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Kentucky Association of Social Work Educators
• National Association of Social Workers
• Kentucky Association of Professional African American Women
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents. I'm the oldest child, I'm the oldest girl, and I've been taught from a very young age to be a leader, to look out for and advocate for my brother and my sister, but just a sense of responsibility and owning yourself, being accountable to yourself. If you say you're gonna do it, do it. If you're not, then don't. Just very simple, but critical life lessons that have stayed with me. When I was younger, I thought my parents were so strict, but really they weren't. They were preparing me for leadership. I can look back and see throughout my journey, I was always a leader in school, I was always a leader in sports, I was a leader at home and in my family, among my cousins. I get it, mom and dad. I get it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay true to yourself, be your authentic self, no matter where you are, no matter what title you have. This is the best advice I've received because I am a relational person. I'm always going to support the person who needs it most in the room. Sure, I'm going to help myself but I'm always going to use my position to empower others. At my core, I am a person that genuinely wants to see others succeed.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take up space. Speak up. Challenge. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to do it. By all means, take up space. You don't have to shrink in front of others. What you have to say, your perspective, your experience matters.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, a significant challenge for the social work profession is trying to figure out ways to meet the values and priorities of the profession and abide by the law. The passing of anti-ADEI legislation, attack on immigrants, and removal of significant federal funding hurts the most vulnerable people in this country. Social workers have to be creative and have moral courage when attempting to advocate for those most in need.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. You can be kind, you can be giving, you can be loving, but if you lack integrity, that means you lack authenticity. That's a poor character trait. Integrity is something that I highly value. And it's important to me that I have integrity, that I do what I say I'm going to do, even if nobody's looking.