The University of Louisville Board of Trustees at a special meeting March 26 accepted the resignation of President Kim Schatzel.
The decision is effective immediately. Terms of the separation were not immediately available.
“The University of Louisville Board of Trustees thanks Dr. Schatzel for her two years of service, which have seen her build a team that has increased enrollment and retention and grown the university’s reputation as a research powerhouse,” said BOT Chair Diane Medley. “We wish Dr. Schatzel well in her future endeavors.”
The board, at its meeting, appointed Gerry Bradley, formerly executive vice president & university provost, as UofL’s 20th president, also effective immediately. Bradley has served in his role since February 2024 and was interim provost on two occasions—from January 2022 to February 2023 and from July 2023 to February 2024.
Under Bradley’s leadership, UofL has made a strong commitment to enrollment growth, student success and academic excellence. Last fall, UofL experienced record first-year enrollment, record first-year fall-to-fall retention and a record overall enrollment of 24,123 students.
Bradley has hired eight deans, overseen several successful accreditation reaffirmations and fostered the development and launch of several new academic programs.
He considered several options before deciding to stay at UofL and help the university maintain its positive momentum.
“After giving it much thought, my heart is at the University of Louisville,” Bradley said. “We have a team in place that can take this university to greater heights. Our recent successes combined with our rich academic history will help us build a community where all students, faculty and staff have the chance to succeed.”
“We have full confidence in President Bradley and his vision for the university,” Medley said. “UofL’s emphasis on student success, research and innovation and impacting our community will continue and grow. The university is in good hands with Dr. Bradley and his team.”
