From Student to Scholar: Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins Named Spalding University’s 2026 Caritas Medal Recipient

When Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins first walked onto Spalding University’s campus as a graduate student, she was balancing a demanding career in child protective services while pursuing her educational goals. More than two decades later, the Spalding alumna, former faculty member, nationally recognized researcher, and academic leader has been named the recipient of the University’s highest honor, the 2026 Caritas Medal.

The Caritas Medal recognizes individuals whose lives and work reflect Spalding University’s mission of service, compassion, leadership, and commitment to “meeting the needs of the time.” For Stevens-Watkins, that mission has become a guiding principle throughout a distinguished career dedicated to advancing research, mentoring future leaders, and improving the lives of individuals and communities across Kentucky and beyond.

A Spalding Education That Opened Doors

Stevens-Watkins chose Spalding for practical reasons. The University’s schedule allowed her to continue working while supporting her family, and financial assistance made graduate education possible. What she could not have known at the time was how profoundly the experience would shape her future.

Looking back, she remembers long days that often stretched from early morning until late evening. Those demanding years taught her persistence, discipline, and resilience, qualities that would become hallmarks of her professional career.

More importantly, Spalding challenged her to think critically, communicate with purpose, and develop the clinical and writing skills that would serve as the foundation for her success as a psychologist, researcher, and academic leader. She credits the University’s exceptional clinical training and dedicated faculty with preparing her for opportunities she could not yet envision.

The Power of Encouragement

Throughout her time as a student and later as a faculty member, Stevens-Watkins found mentors who helped shape her path.

One piece of advice has stayed with her for decades. Prior to a comprehensive examination, faculty member Dr. Dede Wohlfarth told her, “You know more than you think you know.” Stevens-Watkins says those words continue to inspire confidence whenever she faces a challenge or enters a high-stakes situation.

She also reflects on the encouragement she received from numerous current and former faculty members including Drs. Brenda Nash, Steve Katsikas, and Kenneth Linfield who modeled excellence, offered guidance, and invested in her potential. Their belief in her abilities reinforced the importance of mentorship, a value that remains central to her own leadership philosophy today.

A Career Defined by Impact

After completing her graduate education and doctoral studies, Stevens-Watkins returned to Spalding as an assistant professor, serving from 2009 to 2013. The opportunity proved transformative. While at Spalding, she secured her first National Institutes of Health-funded career development award as principal investigator, a milestone that helped launch her nationally recognized research career.

Since then, Stevens-Watkins has emerged as a leader in behavioral health research and higher education administration. She has received more than $11 million in highly competitive research funding as principal investigator, supporting work that seeks to improve outcomes for individuals and families in the community.

Her research has focused particularly on improving the lives of women and people affected by substance use, areas of study that align closely with her commitment to service and community impact.

In addition to her research accomplishments, Stevens-Watkins has served in significant leadership roles at the University of Kentucky, including leading a major research priority area as an associate vice president for research and serving as acting dean of the College of Education.

Living the Mission

For Stevens-Watkins, success has always been about more than professional achievements.

She often speaks about the importance of gratitude, resilience, and servant leadership, lessons shaped by personal challenges, family influences, and the mentors who guided her career. Growing up, she watched her mother make sacrifices to create opportunities for her family. Those experiences helped cultivate the determination and perspective that continue to define her approach to leadership.

Today, she sees it as her responsibility to use her education, training, and opportunities to help others achieve their own goals.

“As this stage in my career, I am focused on paving the way for others coming behind me by creating opportunities and investing in the success of others,” Stevens-Watkins shared. She remains committed to developing research initiatives that create meaningful and lasting improvements in people’s lives.

That commitment reflects a deep connection to Spalding’s mission and values, which continue to influence her work and her vision for the future.

A Meaningful Recognition

When informed that she would receive the 2026 Caritas Medal, Stevens-Watkins described herself as both surprised and honored. Being recognized by her alma mater carries special meaning because, as she notes, Spalding is where her professional journey truly began.

The recognition also serves as a reflection of the values she learned from her family. She recalls her mother’s advice to always give her very best, regardless of whether recognition follows. Receiving the Caritas Medal is a reminder that a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication can leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

While Stevens-Watkins has achieved remarkable professional success, she says the accomplishments she treasures most are being a wife and mother. Those roles continue to inspire her work and strengthen her commitment to improving the world around her.

A Legacy of Excellence and Compassion

As she joins the distinguished group of Caritas Medal recipients, Stevens-Watkins hopes to be remembered not only for her scholarship and leadership but also for the people she helped along the way.

“I hope to be remembered as a peer and mentor who pushed others to reach their full potential, both academically and personally,” she said. “I also hope to be remembered by my research focused on improving the lives of women and people that use drugs in our community.”

Her career, her service, and her dedication to creating opportunities for others embody the very spirit of the Caritas Medal. From graduate student to faculty member, researcher, mentor, and leader, Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins’ journey reflects the transformative power of a Spalding education and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to meeting the needs of the time.