Achille Murat "Monk" Willis Jr. (1916–2011) was an American insurance executive, civic leader, political adviser, and public university regent. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he was the son of A. Murat Willis Sr., a nationally known surgeon, professor of surgery at the Medical College of Virginia, and founder of several hospitals. Willis eventually relocated to Longview, Texas, at the age of thirty, where he spent the rest of his life and established a legacy of civic and public service.\n\nWillis is highly recognized for his extensive service to higher education in Texas, particularly at the University of North Texas (UNT). From 1965 to 1983, he served as one of nine regents for the university. His eighteen years of public service on the board were the result of three consecutive six-year appointments by three different Texas governors. During his tenure, his leadership was highly valued by his peers, who elected him chairman of the UNT Board of Regents for ten consecutive annual terms, spanning from 1969 to 1979. Beyond his educational leadership, Willis also worked as a Congressional staffer and political adviser.
