LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce that Willis Bright has been inducted into the 2025 UK Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni. A leader and a mentor, Bright embodies the true spirit of social work.
Bright, along with 19 other leaders and innovators across UK’s campus were inducted into the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni, the highest honor bestowed by the UK Alumni Association.
Held every five years, the Hall recognizes UK graduates whose achievements bring distinction to the university and inspire current students, faculty and fellow alumni through excellence across the arts, sciences, public service, business, education and beyond. With the addition of the 2025 class, a total of 353 alumni have now received this honor since its inception in 1965.
“Willis Bright’s unwavering dedication to mentorship, community service, and the betterment of society exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession,” said Jay Miller, dean of CoSW. “Willis is incredibly deserving of this prestigious honor, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
Bright, who resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, has devoted more than 50 years to higher education, corporate leadership and philanthropy. His career began in student services, counseling and child development at Iowa State University, followed by a faculty appointment at the University of Minnesota. After six years with the Public Affairs and Honeywell Foundation, he joined the Lilly Endowment where he spent 27 years advancing major philanthropic initiatives until his retirement in 2017.
Bright’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized, including being named Grantmaker of the Year by the Indiana Grantmaker Alliance and serving as the Ambassador James Joseph Lecturer for the Association of Black Foundation Executives. He is president of Bright Visions Inc., an organizational development consulting firm, and co-founder and chair of the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, a 20+ member alliance advocating for the city’s African American/Black community. Since 2021, he has codirected a $100 million grant initiative aimed at improving quality of life for the African American/Black community in Indianapolis.
A dedicated UK alumnus, Bright received the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Medallion and has served on the UK College of Social Work Advisory Committee, UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and Leadership Advisory Council. His family supports future social work professionals through the Bright Family Scholarship Fund.
Bright was inducted into the UK College of Social Work Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the UK Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2019. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing educational and community opportunities for others.
The CoSW celebrated the induction of Bright with a luncheon and “Coffee and Conversations,” a time for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to learn from and engage with Bright, and hear more about his legacy. His journey from a trailblazing student to a compassionate leader exemplifies the values and principles of the College of Social Work at the highest level.