Jay Thomas Willis graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.S. degree in sociology. He also graduated from Texas Southern University with a M.Ed. in counseling, in addition to receiving a MSW in social work from the University of Houston. Willis has held numerous social work positions and has now turned to freelance writing. He has written forty-nine books, fifteen professional journal articles, several consumer articles; has written Op-Ed Commentaries for the "Chicago Defender," "Dallas Examiner," "East Side Daily News" of Cleveland, "Mid-South Tribune and Black Information Highway," as well as an occasional "Guest Column" for the "Final Call" Newspaper.