Endowed Chairs

David A. Casey, MD

Professor and Chair 
John J. and Ruby B. Schwab Endowed Chair in Social, Community and Family Psychiatry
School of Medicine

Dr. Casey received a BA in Biology (with honors) in May 1977 and his MD (summa cum laude) in May 1981 from the University of Louisville. Following a flexible internship at Virginia Mason Medical Center, he completed his Psychiatry residency at the University of Washington, where he served as chief resident at Harborview Medical Center. Since 1985, he has held various academic positions at the University of Louisville's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, advancing from instructor to professor and has been chair since November 2015.

Board certified in psychiatry since 1988, Dr. Casey holds a Geriatric Certification and maintains a medical license in Kentucky. He has been actively involved in multiple professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the Kentucky Psychiatric Medical Association, serving in leadership roles and committees. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the “Golden Apple Award” and the “Caduceus Award” from the University of Louisville and he was named a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association in 2019.

Jesse H. Wright., MD, PhD

Professor
Gotfried and Gisela Kolb Endowed Chair in Outpatient Psychiatry
School of Medicine

Dr. Wright received his MD from Jefferson Medical College (1965-1969). He underwent an internship at Lankenau Hospital (1969-1970) and a residency in Psychiatry at the University of Michigan (1970-1973), where he also served as chief resident. He later obtained a PhD from the University of Louisville (1976-1986). Professionally, he has held numerous academic and leadership roles, including chief of Neuropsychiatry at the U.S.A.F. Regional Hospital (1973-1975) and various positions at the University of Louisville, where he has been a professor since 1987.

Dr. Wright is a distinguished figure in the field of psychiatry, serving as the Medical Director of Norton Psychiatric Center (1983-2010) and currently as the Gotfried and Gisela Kolb Endowed Chair in Outpatient Psychiatry (2016-present). He has been actively involved in teaching since 1980, coordinating multiple courses in cognitive-behavioral therapy. His commitment to the field is evident through his extensive involvement in professional societies, editorial boards and various committees. Dr. Wright has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Teaching and the Dean’s Distinguished Educator Award for Lifetime Achievement at the University of Louisville. His military service includes two years in the U.S. Air Force (1973-1975).