Keynote Speaker Xernona Thomas

from UGA School of Social Work 2023 Virtual Graduation Program

by University of Georgia School of Social Work

Welcome

Dr. Xernona Thomas has compiled 31 year's of experience in the public education and social work fields, starting her career as a school social worker for the Clarke County School District and Oconee County Schools before transitioning to administration. After working as an assistant principal, principal, chief of staff, and interim superintendent, Thomas was selected as superintendent by the Clarke County Board of Education in 2020, becoming the first woman to serve in this role.

A member of the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation Board, Thomas was recently named the executive director of College Factory, a Northeast Georgia nonprofit dedicated to helping high school students accomplish their college, career, and workplace goals. She serves on the Peach State Credit Union Advisory and Supervisory Boards. Additionally, Thomas received a Footsteps Award from UGA, an award given to graduates who follow in the footsteps of UGA’s first African-American graduates.

Thomas received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Grady College in 1991 before earning a master’s degree in social work in 1992. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and administration, in 2017. Receiving all three degrees from UGA earns her the rare moniker of “triple dawg.” Thomas retired as superintendent in fall 2022.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

BARBARA HILTON ARNOLD

P h .D. SPRING ' 23 committee members: jennifer elkins, chair rachel fusco, kate morressey stahl

Dissertation title – Trauma and the body: A phenomenological study of practitioners’ experiences using somatic approaches to treat trauma.

ELISA MARIE CHILDS

P h .D. FALL ' 22 committee members: orion mowbray, chair javier boyas, ed risler, michael robinson

Dissertation title – Patient-centered medical homes: How the federally supported model impacts older adults’ access to health care in rural Georgia.

Megan Woodruff Lee

P h .D. SPRING ' 23 committee members: june gary hopps, chair deryl bailey, rebecca matthew

Dissertation title – The role of race and income on African American youth participation in out-of-school time programs.

Caroline Nathalie Sharkey

P h .D. SPRING ' 23 committee members: jennifer elkins, chair kevin burke, y. joon choi, rachel fusco

Dissertation title – Digital storytelling and fostering collective efficacy: Arts-based youth participatory action research and constructing community.

Hyesu Yeo

P h .D. SPRING ' 23 committee members: orion mowbray, chair mary ager, tony mallon, christina matz

Dissertation title – Employment transition trends among older workers in job search activities, job availability, and workforce development program participation in the United States: A three-study dissertation.