UK to induct 20 alumni into 2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni

 On Sept. 12, the University of Kentucky will induct 20 alumni into the 2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni. The alumni will be honored for their meaningful contributions to the Commonwealth, nation and the world. 

The prestigious event, held every five years, is the highest recognition bestowed by the UK Alumni Association. Since its establishment in 1965, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni has celebrated graduates whose professional achievements and community service exemplify the impact of a UK education. 

“The University of Kentucky is proud to count among its alumni individuals whose exceptional accomplishments inspire our entire community,” said Jill Smith, executive director of the UK Alumni Association. “Through the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, we honor these outstanding leaders and offer a powerful example for current and future Wildcats to follow.” 

The 2025 inductees represent excellence across fields including the arts, sciences, public service, business and education. Their selection follows a months-long process led by a volunteer committee of alumni. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of leading this committee is learning about the extraordinary journeys of our alumni," said Hannah Myers, chair of the selection committee and past president of the UK Alumni Association. “This year’s inductees exemplify the excellence of Wildcats across every field. Their achievements have left a lasting impact on their professions and communities, and we are honored to recognize their remarkable contributions.” 

The new class of inductees will join 333 alumni previously honored in the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. 

The 2025 inductees include: 

Terry L. Birdwhistell*  

• M.A. 1974 – History, College of Arts and Sciences
• M.A. 1978 – Library Science, College of Communication and Information
• Ed.D. 1994 – Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, College of Education  

Terry L. Birdwhistell, Ph.D., dedicated more than 50 years to UK, becoming a nationally recognized oral historian and founding director of the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History and the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center. He conducted nearly 1,000 oral history interviews with figures ranging from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Kentucky governors, co-edited the series Kentucky Remembered, and authored or co-authored 15 books. Birdwhistell received numerous honors including the UK Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award and continued preserving history until his death in 2023. 

Willis K. Bright Jr.  

• B.A. 1966 – Social Work, College of Social Work   

Willis K. Bright Jr. has devoted more than 50 years to higher education, corporate leadership and philanthropy, including 27 years advancing major initiatives at the Lilly Endowment. He is president of Bright Visions Inc., co-founder and chair of the African American Coalition of Indianapolis and co-director of a $100 million grant initiative improving quality of life for the local African American/Black community. Bright has served on numerous advisory boards, received the UK Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award and supports future social work professionals through the Bright Family Scholarship Fund. 

Clyde R. Carpenter*  

• B.S. 1959 – Civil Engineering, College of Design  

Clyde R. Carpenter was a celebrated architect, educator and preservationist who taught at UK for 57 years, shaping generations of design professionals. He served in leadership roles in the UK College of Architecture and College of Design, specializing in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, and his work was featured in Architectural Digest and on HGTV. Carpenter received numerous awards, including the C. Julian Oberwarth Gold Medal from AIA Kentucky, and his legacy endures in the students he mentored and the historic buildings he helped preserve. 

Xiangming “Jack” Cheng  

• Ph.D. 2000 – Materials Science and Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
• M.B.A. 2003 – Business Administration, Gatton College of Business and Economics  

Xiangming “Jack” Cheng, Ph.D., is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of AA Metals, a global enterprise with nearly 600 employees and $1.6 billion in annual revenue. A first-generation Chinese immigrant, Cheng launched his business with just $600 in savings, growing it into an international leader in aluminum and steel distribution. He has received the Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award, supports cancer research and the Chinese American community, and serves on the UK Pigman College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council. 

Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch  

• B.S. 1988 – Electrical Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering  

Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch is senior vice president for government strategy and policy for global affairs at Viasat Inc., shaping policy in space sustainability, commercial integration and strategic initiatives. A decorated member of the U.S. Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, she has led multiple high-level programs, including the Defense Spectrum Office, and was the first female civilian mission commander for the Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft mission. Cowen-Hirsch serves on multiple industry and university advisory boards and has received numerous honors for her contributions to national security, space technology and engineering leadership.  

Ambassador Kelly Craft  

• B.A. 1985 – Topical Studies, College of Arts and Sciences  

Kelly Craft served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2019 to ’21 and to Canada from 2017 to ’19. She played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and helped implement the USMCA trade agreement, advancing economic growth and labor protections across North America. Craft co-founded the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University, served on the UK Board of Trustees and is recognized for her leadership in education, philanthropy and international policy.  

Brian L. Cury  

• B.A. 1981 – Topical Studies, College of Fine Arts  

Brian L. Cury is a technology entrepreneur and founder of EarthCam, a global leader in live camera technology reaching billions worldwide. He studied computer science and filmmaking at UK, where his thesis film led to early opportunities at NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” He launched EarthCam in 1996, building a worldwide network of cameras including the first live Times Square webcam. Cury holds eight patents and has documented more than $1 trillion in construction projects, pioneering visual technology that preserves history and offers unique perspectives globally. 

James “Jimmy” P. Dunne  

• B.A. 1977 – Topical Studies, College of Arts and Sciences  

James “Jimmy” P. Dunne is a composer, songwriter, author and civic leader whose work appears on more than 28 million records and more than 1,000 television episodes and films. He is an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated artist, founder of Inspire and serves as director of traditions at Pepperdine University and Southern Methodist University, developing signature cultural and athletic programs. Dunne is also the founder of USA Bocce, an advocate for youth development and author of the award-winning children’s book “The Shepherd’s Story” and his memoir “Jimmy Dunne Says.” 

Michael T. Eaves  

B.A. 1994 – Journalism, College of Communication and Information  

Michael T. Eaves is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and studio anchor for ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” He has won seven Emmy Awards and a Telly Award over a career spanning more than 30 years. Eaves has anchored coverage of major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Super Bowl, NBA Playoffs and historic moments such as the death of Kobe Bryant and Muhammad Ali’s funeral. He also anchored at Al Jazeera America and FOX Sports West. A Kentucky native, Eaves attended UK on a full academic scholarship, began his broadcasting career while in school and spent seven years with WKYT/WDKY-TV.   

Ambassador Christine A. Elder  

B.A. 1989 – German, College of Arts and Sciences  

Ambassador Christine A. Elder is the foreign policy advisor to the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, previously serving as U.S. Ambassador to Liberia. She has held leadership positions both overseas and in Washington, including key roles in crisis response, such as the 2021 evacuation and resettlement of Afghans with U.S. ties. In addition to her degree from UK, Elder holds an M.A. in international relations from George Washington University. She received the UK Alumni Global Impact Award in 2023. 

Robert “Bob” Hall Jr.  

• B.S. 1953 – Agriculture, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment  

Robert “Bob” Hall Jr. is a sixth-generation farmer and owner of Farmers Feed Mill Inc., manufacturer of Hallway Feeds. Under his direction, Hallway Feeds has supplied 17 Kentucky Derby winners, including Triple Crown champions American Pharoah and Justify. He has devoted his life to agriculture and community leadership and has mentored countless individuals in agriculture, business and civic endeavors. His accolades include induction into the UK Ag Sciences Hall of Fame, the UK College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni Award and the Saddle and Sirloin Club. At 95, he remains active on the farm and in business. 

Samuel “Sam” N. Hazen  

• B.B.A. 1982 – Business Administration, Gatton College of Business and Economics  

Samuel “Sam” N. Hazen is chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest providers of healthcare services, operating 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory sites in 20 states and the United Kingdom. He previously served in multiple senior leadership roles at HCA, including president of operations and president of the western group, and began his career in Humana’s Financial Management Specialist program. Hazen serves on the boards of the Nashville Health Care Council, the Federation of American Hospitals and the HCA Healthcare Foundation. In addition to his degree from UK, he holds an MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  

Rebecca B. Liebert  

B.S. 1990 – Chemical Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering  

Rebecca B. Liebert, Ph.D., is president and CEO of The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, leading the company’s mission to deliver sustainable solutions that advance mobility, improve well-being and enhance modern life. She previously held senior leadership roles at PPG Industries, Honeywell UOP and Reynolds Food Packaging, and began her career as a development engineer with Nova Chemicals. Liebert serves on the boards of Dow and the American Chemistry Council. In addition to her degree from UK, Liebert holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.  

Michael L. Marberry  

• B.S. 1981 – Chemical Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
• M.S. 1983 – Chemical Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering  

Michael L. Marberry retired in July 2022 after 25 years as a senior executive with J.M. Huber Corporation, including 13 years as corporate president and CEO, leading the company to record growth and global recognition for sustainability. Prior to becoming CEO, he held multiple senior roles at Huber and previously served as director of corporate strategy for PolyOne Corporation, a consultant with McKinsey & Company, and a product development engineer at Procter & Gamble. Marberry has extensive corporate governance experience, including board leadership roles at CP Kelco and American Water Works.  

Earl F. “Marty” Martin III  

• B.A. 1984 – Communication, College of Communication and Information
• J.D. 1987 – Law, J. David Rosenberg College of Law  

Earl F. “Marty” Martin III began his legal career as a judge advocate general officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after active and reserve service that included assignments in Europe and at the Air Force Academy. He earned an LL.M. from Yale Law School and held faculty and leadership roles at the University of Illinois, Texas Wesleyan University and Gonzaga University, serving as dean and executive vice president. Since 2015, Martin has been the 13th president of Drake University, overseeing major campus redevelopment, the creation of John Dee Bright College, a record-setting fundraising campaign and national recognition for Drake’s athletics program. 

Ouita K. Michel  

• B.A. 1987 – Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Lewis Honors College  

Ouita K. Michel is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author and food advocate whose culinary enterprises have transformed Central Kentucky’s dining scene, including the fine-dining Holly Hill Inn and the iconic Wallace Station. An eight-time James Beard Award semifinalist and U.S. State Department Culinary Ambassador, Michel has championed Kentucky farmers and producers, purchasing more than $10 million in Kentucky Proud products over the past two decades. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit FoodChain, author of “Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from Our Favorite Places” and a dedicated mentor to young chefs. 

Caroline R. Pogge  

• M.S. 1999 – Health Administration, College of Public Health  

Caroline R. Pogge, Dr.P.H., is director of the master of science in health administration program at Fordham University and an accomplished healthcare and management consultant with experience advising organizations domestically and internationally. She has held leadership roles at Geisinger Health System and Guthrie Health, while serving as a colonel in the U.S. Army with deployments to Iraq, the Horn of Africa and Europe. In addition to her degree from UK, Pogge earned a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a doctor of public health from Harvard University. 

David B. Ratterman  

• B.S. 1968 – Mechanical Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering  

David B. Ratterman built an international career in construction law after becoming one of the first in his family to graduate from high school and college, working as a construction laborer before earning a scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Following service as a naval engineering and intelligence officer, he earned both a Juris Doctor and an MBA from the University of Louisville and developed a global practice representing the structural steel industry and advising counterparts worldwide. In recognition of his contributions to the field, the American Institute of Steel Construction established the David B. Ratterman Undergraduate Scholarship, which has awarded nearly 200 need-based scholarships to children of construction workers.  

J. David Rosenberg  

• J.D. 1973 – Law, J. David Rosenberg College of Law  

J. David Rosenberg is a senior partner at Keating, Muething & Klekamp, where he has practiced law since 1974. He earned his undergraduate degree cum laude from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was named to the Order of the Coif. Guided by his faith and family values, Rosenberg has been a dedicated philanthropist, supporting education, justice, the arts and civic institutions, including a $20 million gift to the UK College of Law, which now bears his name. 

Pamela S. Whitten  

• M.A. 1986 – Communication, College of Communication and Information  

Pamela S. Whitten, Ph.D., is the 19th president of Indiana University and the first woman to lead the institution, overseeing its nine campuses and guiding the IU 2030 strategic plan. Under her leadership, IU has expanded faculty diversity, enhanced student support and increased research funding, including the transformation of IUPUI into IU Indianapolis. She previously held leadership roles at Michigan State University, the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. 

*Terry L. Birdwhistell died in 2023 at the age of 72. Clyde R. Carpenter died in 2022 at the age of 84. 

To read full biographies of this year’s inductees, visit www.ukalumni.net/HODA.