University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley spoke to the media April 3, addressing the recent leadership transition and reaffirming his commitment to the university’s stability and growth.
Having served UofL for nearly a decade, including as executive vice president and university provost since 2022, and dean of the School of Dentistry prior, Bradley expressed his enthusiasm for leading the university.
“My heart is here, and I’m very ready and enthusiastic about moving this university forward and continuing our strong momentum,” he said.
Bradley highlighted several successes such as record-breaking enrollment exceeding 24,000, on-campus living numbers and a 94.1% retention rate, a 3% jump that reflects strong student success.
Further emphasizing the university’s growth, Bradley noted UofL’s growing partnership with elected officials in Frankfort on state-funded construction projects, UofL Health’s expansion, the opening of a rural cancer center in Bullitt County and the beginning of a strategic plan designed to shape the university’s future through 2030.
“People change, but our mission does not,” Bradley said.
Personally, Bradley is looking forward to supporting research clusters in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, strengthening partnerships with the city to boost economic development, leading the redevelopment of the Cardinal Center property and improving student success—particularly for first-generation students.
“As a first-generation student myself, 38% of the students coming to this university are first-generation students and we are really moving the needle of social mobility,” he said. “My personal goal is to continue to increase enrollment, to increase our retention efforts and to increase our six-year graduation rates, all which have been rising steadily over the years.”
Bradley plans to conduct listening tours soon and be more visible on campus.
“I want to be seen as being part of the community,” he said. “The most fun part of the job is when I’m with the students. That’s why I get up every morning.”
Acknowledging upcoming challenges and priorities for the university leadership, Bradley addressed concerns about the new state legislation relating to initiatives regarding diversity, equity and inclusion at public colleges and universities in the state.
“Our intent is to comply with the law while clearly continuing our mission to make every person feel they belong and are part of our community,” Bradley said.
Bradley also identified potential financial challenges including federal cuts to National Institutes of Health indirect cost rates and the approaching NIL (name, image, likeness) settlement ruling. In response, the university is conducting scenario planning and has implemented a temporary hiring pause to “protect our mission and our people.”
Bradley signed a three-year contract, with a review period after two years. Learn more about Bradley on the UofL President’s webpage.
