UA Little Rock Student Makes History as First Social Work Minority Fellowship Recipient

University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate student Phillip Hill has been selected for the prestigious Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Minority Fellowship Program, becoming the first master’s degree student in the School of Social Work to receive the national honor.

Hill, an advanced standing MSW student, is one of just 40 fellows selected nationwide this year through a highly competitive three-round review process. The fellowship supports graduate students committed to improving mental health and substance use services, particularly in underserved communities.

For Hill, the recognition represents more than an academic achievement. It reflects a personal journey of overcoming challenges that ultimately inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Hill developed a passion for social work and a desire to support individuals facing difficult circumstances. His journey has shaped his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others, particularly those who may feel overlooked or underserved.

A Benton High School graduate, Hill earned his associate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College before transferring to UA Little Rock, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in English. He chose to remain at the university for his master’s degree because of the relationships he developed with faculty and fellow students.

Through the fellowship, which is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Hill will receive financial support, specialized training, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with social work professionals nationwide.

“Being selected tells me that my experience, including the hardest parts of my past, has value in this field,” Hill said. “It’s a national affirmation that the work I want to do matters.”

Dr. Laura Danforth, director and professor of UA Little Rock’s School of Social Work, said Hill’s selection is a remarkable achievement for both him and the university.

“We could not be prouder of Phillip for earning this national distinction and representing UA Little Rock’s School of Social Work so exceptionally well!” Danforth said.

Beyond the fellowship, Hill is gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Little Rock Recovery, where he works with clients in early recovery under the guidance of Michael Godfrey, a licensed clinical social worker, and Brian Fleckenstine, a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He also serves as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Esaa Mohammad Samarah, an assistant professor in UA Little Rock’s School of Social Work, studying topics including peer recovery, corporal punishment, and rural behavioral health.

His research has earned national recognition, with presentations accepted at the 2026 CSWE conference and the 2027 Society for Social Work and Research conference. He is also the lead author of one manuscript and co-author of another, both pending publication.

Hill credits several UA Little Rock faculty members, including Professor Morgan Leyenberger, Dr. Theresa Flowers, Dr. Samarah, and Dr. Danforth, for their mentorship, encouragement, and support throughout his academic journey.

“Working with faculty changed how I see my own future,” Hill said. “Doing real research, being treated as a contributor, and seeing my name on manuscripts showed me that my past doesn’t close doors in this field. It’s part of what I bring to it.”

After completing his master’s degree, Hill plans to begin working full time as a clinical provider at Little Rock Recovery in Maumelle, where he has already accepted a position. He also hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in social work and eventually teach future generations of social workers.

For students considering opportunities in research, fellowships, or professional development, Hill encourages them to take chances.

“Take chances, and get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Hill said. “Apply for the things that seem like a long shot. If you don’t apply, the answer is automatically no.”