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By: Amy Charles | January 21, 2025
Kathryn Gould, DSW, MSSW, LCSW, assistant professor of social work at the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), has been elected to serve on her local school board in Woodford County. Gould, a seasoned social worker with over two decades of experience in advocacy, policy, and mental health, brings a unique perspective to her new role, one rooted in her background in social work, as well as her experience as a parent in the district.
“I am beyond excited and humbled to serve our community in this capacity,” said Gould. “As a parent and as a social worker committed to advocating for those who are underrepresented, I believe I can bring an essential lens to the table. My goal is to ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed, both academically and personally.”
Throughout her career, Gould has been a dedicated advocate for policies that enhance mental health, educational access and community well-being. Her background as a licensed clinical social worker, coupled with her extensive teaching experience in social work education, positions her to address the holistic needs of students in the district. This included advocating for improved behavioral health support and addressing the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
Despite having no prior political experience, Gould’s campaign resonated with voters who were looking for change and a collaborative approach to decision-making. Running against a more established opponent, Gould’s grassroots campaign focused on building relationships within the community and advocating for a more effective and harmonious school board. With a modest budget, she and her family began knocking on doors to engage with voters, emphasizing the importance of strong communication and collaboration. This helped her secure a victory by just 29 votes out of over 2,000 cast.
“My focus has always been on collaboration and bringing people together,” said Gould. “I’m committed to working with my fellow board members to create policies that benefit not just the students but the entire community. A successful school system needs a healthy balance of communication, empathy, and teamwork.”
In addition to her social work expertise, Gould’s focus on the importance of education beyond high school makes her an advocate for preparing students for their futures, whether through higher education, technical training or entrepreneurship.
“My long-term goals are to work toward reducing teacher turnover by addressing compensation issues, improving student mental health support and preparing students for their next career path after graduation,” said Gould. “But perhaps most importantly, I want to foster an environment where every voice is heard and where decisions are made in the best interest of our students and our community.”
Gould’s role on the school board began in January, and she looks forward to bringing her experience as a social worker and educator into the decision-making processes that will shape the district’s future.