College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Lindsey Powell, a Social Work graduate student from Versailles, is the 2022-23 recipient of WKU’s John D. Minton Graduate Student Award.

"Receiving this award is such an honor. I am immensely grateful for the support I have received at WKU during both my graduate and undergraduate careers, especially from my graduate mentor Dr. Austin Griffiths and Dr. Sarah Bonis of the Department of Psychology, and the Mahurin Honors College,” Powell said.

“Working as a Graduate Research Assistant for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR) helped me grow in ways I never thought possible. My mentor, Dr. Griffiths, the Center, and the Department of Social Work provided me with a graduate school experience that far exceeded my highest hopes. Dr. Griffiths is an incredible mentor who has my utmost respect for his tireless efforts on behalf of students and the child welfare community. During my time at LCCWEAR, I have been able to be an integral part of a world-renowned applied research study that will profoundly influence advocacy efforts on behalf of frontline child welfare workers, which is a population that deserves our support and recognition. Further, my program provided me with opportunities to serve inside and outside the university, including areas of substance abuse treatment, public schools, and mental health. The Department of Social Work and LCCWEAR took me in as a student and molded me into a true scholar. Because of their investment in me, I will continue to invest in Kentucky families and communities. My greatest thanks go to my family, Dr. Griffiths, and the Social Work department."

Dr. Austin Griffiths, Director of LCCWEAR, stated: “Lindsey Powell is distinctly driven to improve the lives of others and to serve in her community. In the past two years as a graduate student at WKU she has been an active partner in a novel research study that is acquiring international attention. Her advanced skills, trustworthiness, and reliability have literally been a catalyst for the completion of this innovative project, using wearable biometric technology to collect physiological evidence of work-related stress in frontline child welfare workers in Kentucky. She has been vital in all areas, including the research facilitation, data collection, data analysis, manuscript preparation and development, dissemination of knowledge, collaborative meetings, collective advocacy, etc. During this very grueling and rigorous study, Lindsey has repeatedly proven that she has the attention to detail, grit, integrity, and resolve to continually deliver in a high stress environment – while successfully managing everything else that life throws at a graduate student. Lindsey is also an excellent student and has actively contributed to the betterment of the community through her involvement with the Bowling Green City Schools and Haven4Change. It has been an honor to work with Lindsey, and I look forward to the next steps in her professional career.”

Dr. Sarah Bonis, Assistant Professor of Psychology, said: “In the social sciences area, it often takes considerable time for a project to be completed and published. For Lindsey to have contributed to four peer-reviewed publications and six peer-reviewed presentations during her two years of graduate school is truly impressive and is a scholarly pace consistent with or exceeding that of a tenure-track faculty member. In addition to her scholarly publications, Lindsey has engaged in significant work to translate research into consumable pieces for policy and practice including her involvement in technical reports, policy briefs, community presentations, and media involvement.”

Powell will be recognized during a Graduate Student Appreciation Week event on Zoom at 4 p.m. April 21 and as part of WKU’s Spring 2023 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. May 4 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

The Minton Award, the Graduate School’s top award, is named for Dr. John D. Minton, who was a history professor and WKU’s first graduate dean and served as vice president for Administrative Affairs and as WKU’s fifth president.

Contact: The Graduate School, (270) 745-2446

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.