University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel used the words “record-breaking” and “historic” to describe Cardinal success in her State of the University address on Feb. 6. The campus update, delivered in Strickler Hall and livestreamed to the university community, highlighted UofL’s remarkable progress in student success, research and innovation, along with community and legislative partnerships, all contributing to the university’s overall growth.
“These past two years have simply flown by,” Schatzel said, expressing her appreciation to the UofL community and the city of Louisville as she begins her third year as president.
Schatzel then highlighted a series of accomplishments from 2024 and the collective effort that made them possible:
- Historic Records: UofL had a record enrollment of 24,123 students, representing 117 Kentucky counties, 54 states and U.S. territories and 90 countries. The university also celebrated historic highs in fall-to-fall retention and fall-to-spring persistence all pointing to a soon-to-be-realized 70% six-year graduation rate.
- Redefining Student Success: Schatzel highlighted the university’s commitment to access, noting increased enrollment for Pell-eligible, first-generation and underserved students for the past three years, as well as a 10% increase in military-connected student enrollment. The president credited these achievements to innovative best practices such as strengthened support services, expanded transfer pathways (including the new partnership with KCTCS), the 15 to Finish program, enhanced bordering states benefit programs, the Cardinal Commitment grant and the Comeback Cards program. Schatzel also mentioned UofL’s significant jump in U.S. News & World Report rankings and recognition as a top 100 public university. “These incredible – yes, historic – results were achieved via implementing and investing in numerous innovative best practices,” she said.
- Research & Innovation: UofL had several significant achievements in research in 2024, most notably the internationally recognized Green Heart project. Schatzel also celebrated the launch of the Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center made possible by the single largest investment in clinical research in the university’s history –$24 million to train clinical researchers. Other research highlights included record research expenditures of $188.4 million, nearly $67 million from the National Institutes of Health, a $6.75 million grant from the Humana Foundation for health equity research and the ongoing research computing initiative.
- Athletic Momentum: Schatzel celebrated the achievements of UofL’s athletic programs, from national runners-up in volleyball to a Sun Bowl championship in football and the revival of the men’s basketball program.
- Legislative Partnership: UofL received unprecedented support during the 2024 legislative session, securing over half a billion dollars in support for the university. This included $260 million for a simulation center and collaboration hub, over $90 million for physical plant renovations and continued progress on the new engineering building.
- Community Engagement: Schatzel reaffirmed UofL’s commitment to Louisville and Kentucky, highlighting the expansion of University Hospital, the establishment of a rural cancer center in Bullitt County, the opening of a School of Dentistry practice at the Goodwill Opportunity Center in west Louisville, and the launch of an immigration law clinic by the Brandeis School of Law. “Our community impact is strong, and it is growing even stronger,” she said.
Schatzel also recognized outstanding individuals within the UofL community, including Fulbright Scholars, 2024 Trustees Award winner Jennifer Brueckner-Collins and 2024 George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award recipient Angela Taylor. She emphasized the university’s commitment to its employees, highlighting investments in compensation studies and market adjustments.
Looking ahead to 2025, Schatzel outlined several key priorities including:
- Beginning a five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030;
- Finalizing the university leadership team;
- Launching the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan and the submission for reaffirmation of the Community Engaged University designation; and
- Developing Belknap Campus with a recent acquisition of the Cardinal Center property by the UofL Foundation, with initial plans to create green space and then determine the best permanent use.
Schatzel concluded her address with a message of momentum and pride.
“I am so proud of all that is happening right now at the University of Louisville,” she said. “I think you’ll agree that there has been no better time to be a Cardinal.”
Watch Schatzel’s entire Town Hall address.
