DONOR
PROFILE
Through a Newly Established Fellowship,
NATE MORRIS
PASSES THE TORCH
The mission of The Morris Foundation, established in 2012 in the partnership with the Bluegrass Community Foundation, is “to provide access to the American Dream for all those who seek it.” Founder and native Lexingtonian Nate Morris is accomplishing this in a number of ways, including through the Nate Morris Fellowship, which affords a UK student the opportunity to attend The Presidential Fellows Program at the Center for the Study of Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C. The inaugural recipient was Mikayla Mitchell, a senior economics major and Global Scholars Honors Pathway student. Through the program, students learn about policy making by developing a research paper, then traveling to Washington to present their work at leadership conferences, and vie for monetary awards and publication. According to Mitchell, “When I came across this opportunity, I knew it fit perfectly with my personal and career goals. I’ve always been interested in a career in public service. It was instilled in me at a young age through my mom, a Navy veteran. Serving your country is one of the most meaningful things you can do with your life.” 20
To provide access to the American Dream for all those who seek it. Morris knew the value of the program firsthand. While attending Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School, he was also named a Presidential Fellow. Currently, Morris serves as the CEO of Rubicon, a technology company providing recycling, waste management and smart city solutions with a mission to end waste. In 2019, Morris became the youngest person ever inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. He has also been named to Fortune’s Under 40 List. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Gatton College of Business and Economics where he is the entrepreneur in residence, Morris continues to play a role in the school’s success.