Social workers help people navigate some of life’s hardest moments. For Lexington native Brandy Carr, that calling led her to Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) online social work program. Today, the mom of three balances family life and full-time work while preparing for a career in social work.
“At EKU, we meet our students where they are. Flexible online programs allow students to earn an education while keeping up with life’s responsibilities,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “By breaking down the barriers to education, we empower our students to serve Kentucky communities and impact the lives of others for the better.”
Before returning to school, Carr worked in property management but realized she wanted a career where she could make a difference. As she explored various majors, she discovered her natural empathy and desire to help others. When thinking about how she could use these skills, along with her personal experiences in recovery, she found social work and EKU’s online program.
“I was very intimidated to start school again in my 30s, but my professors made me feel very capable and like a true asset to the field,” Carr said. “Even though I am getting a bit of a later start than most, EKU has equipped me with knowledge, support and encouragement to fulfill my dreams. This experience has not only started to prepare me for my career, but it has reignited my sense of purpose.”
Even with the online format of the social work program, Carr feels part of the EKU community, with involvement in the Student Social Work Association, interaction with professors and classmates, and hands-on clinical experiences. From her social work practicum, Carr landed a position as a case manager at Stable Recovery, a non-profit organization that partners with horse farms to provide jobs and support for sobriety.
“We recognized years ago that today’s students have different needs, and offering an online program allows us to reach more students,” said Dr. Caroline Reid, professor and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online coordinator. “In turn, we can reach more people in our communities as we will have trained social workers to help. Students are often juggling multiple responsibilities, including college, and an online BSW program affords students flexibility and accessibility.”
Carr graduates in May with her bachelor’s degree in social work. She wants to continue with EKU’s Master of Social Work program, obtain clinical licensure and one day, provide bilingual therapy for substance abuse.
“Most importantly though, I hope to model perseverance and integrity for my children,” said Carr. “They have got to witness my entire journey at EKU—the hard work, the challenges and the victories. I hope my nontraditional path shows them commitment, passion and perseverance are not just words—-they are the foundation of creating a life with purpose that they genuinely love living.”
EKU offers a Bachelor of Social Work on campus or online and a fully online Master of Social Work, along with several graduate certificate programs in specialized fields, such as addictions intervention, mental health, and child and family services. Social work was among the top five degrees awarded at EKU’s Fall 2025 graduation and is consistently among the top enrolled programs at EKU.
To kick off Social Work Month in March, EKU Social Work hosted its annual Social Work Day virtually on Feb. 27, allowing more students and professionals to attend.
By Christina Rannells
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