Dr. Austin Raines serves as a social work consultant for CEU Matrix. Born and currently residing in Scioto County, Ohio, Dr. Raines embodies the spirit of his Appalachian roots as a first-generation college graduate. His academic journey from earning Social Science and Sociology degrees at Shawnee State University to completing a Master’s and Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Kentucky, with concentrations in Social Work Education and Community and Social Development, reflects his devotion to educational and community initiatives.

Austin’s commitment to empowering individuals through education is evident in his numerous certifications and accolades. He is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervision designation (LISW-S). He holds certifications in various fields, including Master of Career Services, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Adult Education, and Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment. His accolades, such as Outstanding Graduate Awards (undergraduate and graduate), Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) Staff Excellence Award, and Ohio’s Teacher of the Year, underscore his dedication to this cause.

His professional journey is a testament to his versatility and dedication. For nearly a decade, he has made numerous contributions to higher, adult, and high school education. His roles as Director of Career Services and Adjunct Faculty at Shawnee State University, a Part-Time Instructor at the University of Kentucky’s Graduate College of Social Work, and a Navigator for Scioto County Aspire demonstrate his diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to guiding individuals toward their educational and career aspirations.

He has also been instrumental in curriculum development and grant proposals for Scioto County Aspire and Shawnee State University. He authored chapters in “Shawnee: A Guide to Your First Year and Beyond” and has conducted research on topics including men and masculinities, intersectionality, occupational choices, the gender wage gap, and the work-home balance concept. This research led to his publication “Removing the Masc: Dismantling Gendered Occupations Through Social Work Education.” He was the 2024 Commencement Speaker for Glenwood High School, where he discussed “Unpacking the Luggage of Life: Navigating New Beginnings and Glenwood Graduates.”