The University of Louisville just made big changes at the top. During a special meeting, the Board of Trustees announced that President Kim Schatzel has resigned. Former provost Gerry Bradley is now stepping into the role of the university’s president, effective immediately.
Chair Diane Medley thanked Schatzel for her service, but details about her resignation are unclear. Medley mentioned that goals change, suggesting a shift in the university’s direction or Schatzel’s priorities.
Gerry Bradley is now the 20th president of the University of Louisville. He’s been part of the university family since 2016 when he became the dean of the School of Dentistry. Just last week, he was a finalist for the provost position at the University of Cincinnati, but decided to take this new opportunity instead.
Bradley expressed excitement about his new role, saying, “I can’t wait to get started.” His experience in leadership may be crucial for U of L, especially as the university has faced many challenges lately, including a hiring freeze and concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In February, U of L announced a five-month hiring freeze due to financial uncertainties linked to federal orders from the Trump administration. These orders included plans to reduce funding for DEI programs and scientific research initiatives. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which provides significant research support to universities, froze its grant reviews earlier this year while assessing the impact of these orders.
These shifts in university governance come at a challenging time. Students and faculty have expressed worries about cuts to the Office of Institutional Equity, especially with a bill in the Kentucky General Assembly that aims to eliminate DEI initiatives across state universities.
Understanding these developments requires looking back at previous leadership changes and campus climates. For example, when Schatzel became president in February 2023, she aimed to enhance inclusion and equity, establishing a strong foundation for future initiatives. Now, as Bradley takes the helm, it remains to be seen how he will navigate these turbulent waters.
The coming months will be crucial as U of L seeks stability and progress under its new president.
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