Campus Announcements – UofL News Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:18:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 UofL Board of Trustees approves FY ’27 budget /post/uofltoday/uofl-board-of-trustees-approves-fy-27-budget/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:17:46 +0000 /?p=63747 The University of Louisville Board of Trustees at its June 25 meeting approved a Fiscal Year 2027 budget President Gerry Bradley described as “structurally balanced” and “strategically focused.”

At $1.96 billion, the budget is the largest in university history (an increase of 9.4% from the FY ’26 budget). The increase is largely driven by clinical and sponsored research as well as state capital appropriations for the new Health Sciences Center Building and accounts for internal and external financial pressures such as inflationary costs to library subscriptions (+8% over two years), cybersecurity (+12%) and employer-funded health insurance (+19%).

“The success of our students and support of our faculty and staff continue to guide our financial priorities,” Bradley said. “Every dollar in this year’s budget ties directly to our 2026-2030 strategic plan. We will not compromise our investments in student success, employee compensation and research and innovation.”

A $9 million increase in institutional financial aid, including money for unmet student financial need under the Cardinal Commitment program, will drive enrollment and retention efforts. UofL is anticipating another record enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at about 25,400 students.

Additionally, the university’s goal of achieving an 85% retention rate illustrates UofL’s commitment to student achievement and well-being.

The FY ’27 budget includes a 2.5% salary and wage increase, effective July 1, 2026. This is the sixth consecutive year of compensation increases. To help maintain that standard for the majority of the university’s workforce, senior administrators will not receive salary enhancements for FY ’27. Further, employee health insurance premiums will not increase for the remainder of calendar year 2026 despite the increase in university-funded health insurance.

Investments in a thriving student body and workforce enhance UofL’s influence on societal impact and economic growth. This is most notably seen in the university’s research and innovation efforts. The FY ’27 budget includes the addition of a $70 million federally funded National Institute of Standards and Technology bioscience building to be constructed in the coming Innovation Park, planned for the former Kentucky Trailer property behind the J.B. Speed School of Engineering. An $11.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will advance cancer immunotherapy research through the Center for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy. Additional financial commitments include support for humanities and arts and social sciences faculty.

Bradley said institutional sustainability remains top of mind with each fiscal year’s budget planning, and the FY ’27 budget is no different. Additional fundraising staff have been hired to help the university meet its short-term and long-term institutional priorities.

“This budget echoes the spirit of our new strategic plan,” Bradley said. “In our classrooms, our workspaces, our laboratories, throughout the community we serve and beyond, the University of Louisville remains diligent in its commitment to be a place where the potential to shape the future of higher education is dynamic and ever evolving. My thanks to the many people who worked so hard on this year’s budget. We certainly have much to look forward to.”

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Louisville mourns the loss of longtime administrator Kenny Klein /post/uofltoday/louisville-mourns-the-loss-of-longtime-administrator-kenny-klein/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:21:24 +0000 /?p=63742 The University of Louisville mourns the loss of longtime athletics communications director Kenny Klein who passed away on Thursday at the age of 66.

Klein, whose storied career spanned more than 40 years, served as UofL’s Sports Information Director from 1983 until his retirement in 2022. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes and earned the reputation as one of the most well-known and respected communications leaders in collegiate athletics.Ěý

Following his retirement, Klein continued to work as a consultant with the Cardinals’ men’s basketball program during the 2022-23 season. After a year of retirement, Klein returned to action, rejoining former Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino as a special advisor for St. John’s men’s basketball program from 2024-26.

Klein joined the Cardinals’ staff in July of 1983 after nearly two seasons as sports information director at Morehead State University. Prior to that stint, Klein spent four years as an undergraduate and graduate assistant at Murray State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1981. At the time of his appointment at UofL, he was the youngest SID at an NCAA Division I football institution at 23.

In addition to working alongside Hall of Fame Louisville basketball coaches Denny Crum and Rick Pitino, Klein himself was a legend in his field. A 2015 inductee into the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Hall of Fame, Klein also worked one season as a student assistant in sports information at Austin Peay State University and was a sports writer for theĚýClarksville Leaf-Chronicle.

His career dedication led to Klein’s induction into the state’s Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He received the 2012 Katha Quinn Award, presented by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association in recognition for providing outstanding service to media covering college basketball.

Klein coordinated the computerized statistics operation for 40 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours. In his initial season with the Cardinals, he edited the 1983-84 UofL basketball guide which was judged second in the nation by CoSIDA. Klein, who edited UofL’s 352-page basketball history bookĚýAbove the Rim, also received multiple other publication awards while at UofL and Murray State.

He served as the media coordinator for the 1987 USA Pan American Games men’s basketball team, has served on the NCAA Final Four media coordination committee and annually assisted in media operations for the Kentucky Derby. He was the local media center committee chairman for the 1996, 2000 and 2014 PGA Championships in Louisville, and served in a similar capacity for the 2008 Ryder Cup and 2004 and 2011 Senior PGA Championships. He also assisted in the media operations at the 1999 Ryder Cup in Boston.

Klein served as vice-chairman of the CoSIDA Scholarship Committee and was the athletic department’s representative for multimedia rights with the ACC, including the inception and oversight of the Cardinals’ broadcast center for the ACC Network.
Klein, who grew up in Southside, Tenn., is survived by his wife, the former Donna Graham, along with two sons: Alex (Beth) and Brady (Carly) and grandchildren Clark and Iris.ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

Kenny Klein was one of the most treasured figures in the history of Louisville Athletics.

For almost 40 years, Kenny gave himself completely to this university, to our student-athletes, our coaches, our staff and our fans. He was the keeper of our stories, the guardian of our history and the steady, smiling presence that made everyone around him feel seen and valued. There was no one who loved Louisville more, and Louisville loved him right back.

But Kenny’s legacy extended far beyond the walls of Louisville Athletics. He was revered nationally as one of the best sports information directors in the industry, a true master of his craft who earned the respect and admiration of peers, media and colleagues across the nation. His Hall of Fame recognition was well deserved, but those who knew Kenny understood that his greatest distinction was never a title or an award. It was the man he was every single day.

Kenny Klein was kind. He was generous. He was humble. He made everyone from the newest student manager to the most seasoned sportswriter feel like they mattered. He answered every call, remembered every name, and approached every interaction with grace and genuine warmth. In a profession that demands so much, Kenny never lost sight of what mattered most: people.

We extend our deepest love and condolences to the Klein family. We grieve with you, and we hold you close.

Kenny was, and will always be, a Cardinal Forever.Ěý

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UofL selects ETSU’s Jess Vodden as new vice president for communications and marketing /post/uofltoday/uofl-selects-etsus-jess-vodden-as-new-vice-president-for-communications-and-marketing/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:59:40 +0000 /?p=63685 University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley has named Jessica (Jess) Vodden the university’s vice president for communications and marketing.Ěý

Vodden joins UofL from East Tennessee State University, where she served as the inaugural vice president for marketing and communications. In her role at ETSU, Vodden led an integrated team of more than 30 marketing and communications professionals and guided the department through a comprehensive brand modernization, digital ecosystem overhaul, renewed focus on internal communications and integrated marketing strategy that contributed to record new student enrollment and recognition as a Great College to Work For®.ĚýĚý

“We are thrilled to welcome Jess as a Cardinal and look forward to her leadership as she guides a talented team of professionals who work tirelessly to tell UofL’s story and shape and elevate the university’s brand,” Bradley said. “Jess brings with her an established track record in helping universities with integrated marketing and narrative strategy, digital transformation and crisis communications. Her experience with higher education policy groups and mission-driven organizations also proves invaluable.”Ěý

An enterprise marketing and communications executive for more than 20 years, Vodden previously served as the chief marketing officer at Savage Grant, a social impact investment firm focused on economic and workforce development, as well as in a senior role with the West Virginia Higher łÉČËÖ±˛Ą Policy Commission. She also founded VLS, a behavioral design and communications advisory practice that worked with universities, government agencies and nonprofits.ĚýĚý

Vodden holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with minors in Spanish and graphic design from Marshall University and a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit management from the University of Colorado Denver.ĚýĚý

At UofL, Vodden will serve as a member of the president’s leadership team and work with campus leaders to shape the narrative of UofL’s next chapter, focusing on strategic priorities including academic success, enrollment growth, innovation, connecting with community partners and growing the university’s national reputation.ĚýĚý

“As one of only 13 universities in the nation recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top-tier institution for research, community engagement and student success, the University of Louisville exemplifies everything a public university should be,” Vodden said. “I am honored and humbled to join President Bradley and the university community as they build on recent historic achievements, including record enrollment, major gains in student retention and groundbreaking investments in research and innovation that will help build a brighter future in Kentucky and across the world. Ěý

Vodden replaces John Karman, who has served in the interim vice president role since late 2024. Karman, who guided the Office of Communications and Marketing through several major initiatives during his tenure, will return to his role as university spokesperson and executive director of communications.ĚýĚý

Vodden will begin at UofL on Aug. 17.Ěý

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Aaron Calhoun receives UofL Trustees Award /post/uofltoday/aaron-calhoun-receives-uofl-trustees-award/ Tue, 12 May 2026 20:56:01 +0000 /?p=63624 The University of Louisville’s faculty create learning experiences and environments that shape the entire student – academically, professionally and personally. This wholistic approach to instruction connects what students learn in the classroom to their real-life situations, making lessons more relevant and meaningful.

That commitment to student success recently earned Aaron Calhoun, a tenured professor of pediatrics in UofL’s Division of Critical Care Medicine and an attending physician in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Norton Children’s Hospital, the 2026 UofL Trustees Award.

The UofL Board of Trustees established the Trustees Award in 1989 to honor faculty who individually impact the future of our students. The award is intended to recognize faculty (full- or part-time; undergraduate, graduate or professional; even groups of faculty) who have had, currently or in the past, an extraordinary impact on students.

Calhoun was formally acknowledged as the Trustees Award recipient at the April 23 UofL Board of Trustees meeting.

In her remarks at the Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Sherrill Zimmerman said, “Aaron is an exceptional teacher and mentor to UofL students, residents, fellows and faculty. His extraordinary talent for teaching has led to important national and international roles in education – broadening his impact beyond our university.”

Calhoun’s overall philosophy of learning is based on two basic axioms: learners in healthcare need to move past the “what” of the subject matter into the “why,” and learners can make this journey best when taught in engaging, psychologically safe environments. He focuses on embodying his philosophy of learning by developing and implementing immersive physiology-based, teamwork and communication-oriented scenarios set within the clinical environment using established adult learning theories.

From the nomination, one of Calhoun’s students said, “(Dr. Calhoun) is, by nature, energetic and full of action. He is a good listener and a calming presence during challenging circumstances. As a teacher and mentor, he always responds to a call for aid or advice, but often in a way that helps you find your own answer and grow in your own experience. He has a gift for knowing what his team, students, patients and their families truly need in the moment.”

Calhoun was presented with the award at the April 28 .

“I was surprised and honored to learn I had received this award and am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for selecting me,” Calhoun said. “It is humbling to think that students I taught more than a decade ago still have such positive memories of the experience. Since I first came to the University of Louisville, I have loved teaching here and have felt it to be a place where you can put down deep roots as a faculty member and make a real difference in the future of our students. I look forward to continuing that in the years to come.”

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UofL champions supportive learning and working environment /post/uofltoday/uofl-champions-supportive-learning-and-working-environment/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:47:45 +0000 /?p=63515 University of Louisville remains committed to creating an environment where students, faculty and staff thrive personally and professionally – a priority that PresidentĚýGerry Bradley continues to champion. To drive this goal forward, Bradley launched the this past fall.

As a strategic driver for institutional improvement, the CCCW advises the university president on policies, planning and actions that advance a campus environment where all individuals feel respected, valued and empowered. About 80 people from a cross-section of the university comprise the CCCW.

“UofL thrives as the thousands of people who work and learn here thrive,” Bradley said. “We don’t want our mission and vision statements or our Cardinal Principles to be just nice words. We want those words to ring true with everyone in our community.”

The commission’s first order of business was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of UofL’s current climate, culture and well-being by reviewing data from recent climate and trust surveys. In some cases, subject matter experts were invited to speak to the commission as members strengthened their understanding of what needed the most attention. Adding Katie Partin, director of institutional effectiveness in the Office of Academic Planning and Accountability, to the CCCW leadership team also brought integration with the university’s strategic planning efforts and ensured the commission’s work would find places to integrate.

This semester, the members organized their work into six key areas that warrant the most attention. Each member was assigned to one of the following subcommittees:

  • Communication and Transparency
  • Compensation and Career Development
  • Physical Safety and Facilities
  • Policy and Culture
  • Psychological Safety and Well-being
  • Workload and Morale

Over the course of several weeks, the entire CCCW met to discuss overarching issues, and the subcommittees met to develop recommendations for the president to consider for inclusion in the . That phase of the work was completed on March 23, and a final written report with the commission’s recommendations will be provided to the president by May 1.

Commission Co-chairs Dwayne Compton and Brian Buford, as well as Vice-chair Lindsey Ronay, provide regular updates to Bradley and Executive Vice President/University Provost Katie Cardarelli.

“President Bradley and Provost Cardarelli are fully committed to this effort. We see that first-hand in our meetings with them,” Buford said. “We bring the commission’s questions, concerns and requests to them, and they address each issue thoughtfully and thoroughly.”

Compton adds that the CCCW’s work is taking place at just the right time – when UofL and higher education in general face tough challenges and make tough decisions about academic, operational and budgetary concerns.

“There have definitely been a lot of hard but authentic conversations in our CCCW meetings,” Compton said. “You can’t deny the CCCW’s passion for its work. You also can’t deny our senior leadership’s commitment to this difficult but important effort.”

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Trustees approve financing for new UofL Student Wellness Center /section/campus-and-community/trustees-approve-financing-for-new-uofl-student-wellness-center/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:52:55 +0000 /?p=63490 Student health and well-being at the University of Louisville got a major boost with the Board of Trustees Finance Committee’s approval of a $10 million capital renovation project.

The funding, approved at the committee’s March 19 meeting, will support the creation of a new Student Wellness Center, which will be located in the Miller Information Technology Center on the university’s Belknap Campus. The measure goes before the full board for a final vote at its April 23 regular meeting.

Currently, Campus Health and the Counseling Center are housed in separate facilities on opposite ends of Belknap Campus. According to Michael Mardis, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, the renovated space in Miller will allow for additional therapy rooms, additional exam rooms, a dedicated group therapy room and psychological assessment room, procedure rooms and more.

“This new space will foster real-time collaboration and seamless care coordination between medical and mental health providers,” Mardis said. “It also will provide a modern, welcoming environment that normalizes help-seeking behavior and educates students about their health as they prepare for the larger world.”

Mardis added that such a space is necessary to meet the increasing needs for mental and physical care at UofL, which are consistent with national trends.

Pending full board approval, Student Affairs will provide $6.5 million, with an additional $3.5 million generated through philanthropic efforts. The project is expected to be completed in about two years.

Academic and Student Affairs Committee action

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee approved the establishment of the Ray E. Murphy and Ann P. Murphy Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Health in the School of Medicine. The $2 million endowment will be funded by the Ann P. Murphy Trust ($1 million) with an additional $1 million match requested from the Council on Postsecondary łÉČËÖ±˛Ą Endowment Match Program (Bucks for Brains) pending approval of the UofL Board of Trustees. Named after Ray Murphy ’59 and his spouse, Ann, the endowed chair provides needed resources to educate the next generation of physicians, dieticians, nutritionists and nurses.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee also approved the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Global Supply Chain Management, effective for the summer 2026 semester, pending full board approval. The program will prepare students to manage international supply chains by addressing logistics, distribution systems, procurement, supplier relations, inventory/quality/project management, analytics, IT and artificial intelligence as well as the impact of customs, regulations and cultural differences. Applied learning will be developed in partnership with supply chain leaders from UPS, Brown-Forman, Amazon, PPL, GXO and DHL.

Additionally, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee approved the creation of a Graduate Certificate in łÉČËÖ±˛Ąal Administrative Leadership. Pending full board approval, the program will be offered in the fall 2026 semester and will provide a pathway for educators to earn Level 1 Principalship certification in Kentucky – the required entry-level credential for those seeking administrative roles in P-12 setting.

The next meeting of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees will take place Thursday, April 23, at 1 p.m. in the Jefferson Room of Grawemeyer Hall on Belknap Campus. Meeting agendas, minutes, schedules and other information is available on the .Ěý

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2026 UofL Presidential Excellence Awards recognize employee dedication and impact /post/uofltoday/2026-uofl-presidential-excellence-awards-recognize-employee-dedication-and-impact/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:10:28 +0000 /?p=63469 The University of Louisville boasts a strong community of faculty and staff – all of whom lend their time and talent to the university’s commitment to being a great place to learn, discover, connect and work. Each year, several UofL employees are recognized for exceeding expectations through the Presidential Excellence Awards program. UofL’s Employee Success Center recently announced this year’s award winners.

George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award

The George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award recognizes the highest level of achievement among staff employees. Serving as a companion award to the Trustees Award for faculty, the George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award is a symbol of what we value as a campus community, having an “extraordinary impact on the lives of students.” This award winner exemplifies the traits of its namesake George J. Howe in humility, generosity, and excellence in leadership, as well as the Cardinal Principles and whose career has had an exceptional impact on the university.

  • Diane Whitlock, assistant vice president for strategic initiatives in the Office of Access & Opportunity

Trustees Award

The Board of Trustees of the University of Louisville established the Trustees Award in 1989 to honor faculty who individually impact the future of our students. The award is intended to recognize faculty who have had, currently or in the past, an extraordinary impact on students.

  • Aaron Calhoun, professor, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine

Cardinal Principles Champions

The Cardinal Principles Champions Award recognizes faculty and staff who exemplify the university’s guiding values through meaningful actions and impact. Each recipient is recognized for demonstrating one of the Cardinal Principles in a way that positively influences students, colleagues and the broader university community.

  • Community of Care: Audra N. French, School of Dentistry
  • Agility: Libby Champion, College of łÉČËÖ±˛Ą & Human Development
  • Respect: Amanda LeDuke, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
  • Diversity: Katie Kleinkopf, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Integrity & Transparency: MaryPat Chiavaroli, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Noble Purpose: Tonia D. Thomas, Office of Access & Opportunity
  • Accountability: Michelle Maddox, School of Medicine
  • Leadership: Brad Shuck, College of łÉČËÖ±˛Ą & Human Development

Distinguished Faculty Awards

The University of Louisville recognizes faculty members who bring distinction to the institution through exceptional contributions in teaching, research, creative work and service. The Distinguished Faculty Awards honor individuals whose work reflects the university’s mission and Cardinal Principles, advancing student success, scholarship and impact across the university and broader community.

Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity

  • Basic and Applied Sciences: Gregory Barnes, School of Medicine
  • Career Achievement: Aruni Bhatnagar, School of Medicine
  • Creative and Performing Arts: William Reese Land, School of Music
  • Humanities: Lauren Freeman, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Social Sciences: Tara Schapmire, School of Medicine

Distinguished Service

  • Service to the Community, the Commonwealth and/or the Region: Matthew H. Ruther, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Service to the Profession: Kupper Wintergerst, School of Medicine
  • Career of Service: Gerard Paul Rabalais, School of Medicine
  • Service to UofL: Natalie C. Polzer, College of Arts & Sciences
  • National/International Service: Mirzada Kurbasic, School of Medicine

Distinguished Teaching Professor

  • James S. Chisholm, College of łÉČËÖ±˛Ą & Human Development, full-time
  • Jennifer Koch, School of Medicine, full-time
  • Shawn Schweppe Parkhurst, College of Arts & Sciences, full-time
  • Heather L. Storer, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, full-time
  • Jennifer M. Foreman, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, part-time

Outstanding Performance Awards

The Outstanding Performance Awards celebrate UofL staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, service and dedication. These awards highlight contributions that make a meaningful impact across the university.

  • Mindy L. Christian, Public Safety
  • Melissa Eversole, Office of Admissions
  • David L. Fichuo, School of Medicine
  • Julie Hornung, Clinical Trials
  • Andrew C. Marsh, J.B. Speed School of Engineering
  • Beth Masters, Human Resources
  • Kristen Taxes Roy, Office of Access & Opportunity
  • Veronica (Sissy) Snorton-Craft, Physical Plant
  • Anika Strand, Student Success Center
  • Mary Beth Uberti, Campus Health

Outstanding Supervisor Award

The Outstanding Supervisor Award recognizes supervisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership by supporting and developing their teams while fostering a positive and respectful work environment. These leaders model the Cardinal Principles through their actions and impact.

  • Rachel Hodge, University Libraries

Team Impact Award

The Team Impact Award recognizes teams whose collaboration, innovation and shared efforts create meaningful impact across the university. These groups demonstrate the power of collective work in advancing the university’s mission.

  • Benefits Team/Human Resources: Chastity Millanti, Michaeline Miller, Beth Masters, Carol Zehnder, Ashley Bertram, Shannon Hall, Mariah Mitchell, Greg Paradiso

Distinguished Retiree Awards

The Distinguished Retiree Awards recognize retired faculty and staff whose continued scholarship, service and contributions reflect the university’s Cardinal Principles and create meaningful impact beyond their careers at UofL. These awards are presented in partnership with the University of Louisville Association of Retired Personnel (ULARP) and the UofL Alumni Association.

  • Distinguished Retiree Excellence Award: Allan Tasman, Emeritus Professor
  • Distinguished Retiree Alumni Award: Michael Radmacher, UofL Alumnus and Retiree

Updated April 30, 2026

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UofL President Gerry Bradley among Louisville’s most influential people /post/uofltoday/bradley-among-most-influential-people/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:18:11 +0000 /?p=63385 President Gerry Bradley’s impact on the city has been recognized by Louisville Business First. Bradley is one of the publication’s Power 50 2026 list, along with Josh Heird, UofL director of athletics. Jason Smith, CEO of UofL Health and a UofL professor of surgery, also is recognized in the Power 50 2026 class of 5 on the Rise.

It is the first Power 50 recognition for all three men.

Two members of the , Christopher Dischinger and John Hollenbach, also are among those recognized.

For the sixth consecutive year, Business First has published the list of 50 most influential business and civic leaders in the region. Louisville Business First selected honorees from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing. It does not include elected officials. The 5 on the Rise class recognizes emerging influential leaders.

Bradley assumed leadership of UofL in March after serving as executive vice president and university provost and dean of the UofL School of Dentistry. Since taking the helm at UofL, Bradley has overseen the completion of the , the opening of the Engineering Student Success and Research Building and surpassing 25,000 enrolled students for the first time in the university’s history.

In his State of the University address on Feb. 12, Bradley highlighted goals for UofL, including a focus on further improvements in enrollment, six-year retention rates, degrees offered and experiential learning opportunities. He intends to prioritize new residence halls and academic research facilities.

“I am grateful to lead this great university and amplify its positive impact on the city of Louisville,” Bradley said. “It is an honor to be recognized by Business First in the Power 50 2026, particularly after less than a year in my role as president of UofL.”

Josh Heird

Since being named director of athletics in 2022, Heird also has had some significant wins. He hired Jeff Brohm to lead the football program and Pat Kelsey to take the reins of men’s basketball. In the 2024-25 season, ten UofL teams earned a top-25 ranking and 11 programs earned trips to the postseason.Ěý

Under Heird’s leadership, student-athlete academic success has been a priority. Last semester closed with an overall department GPA of 3.431Ěý— with 18 of 19 sports above 3.2. UofL athletes are also winning with a 96% graduation success rate.Ěý

Jason Smith, UofL Health CEO
Jason Smith

Jason Smith, chief executive officer of UofL Health, was named CEO of the health system in October after serving most recently as its interim CEO and chief medical officer. In December, he oversaw the opening of the $186 million, seven-story .

The honorees will be profiled in the March 27, 2026, print edition of Louisville Business First, and online around that time.

 

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Trustees approve strategic plan, reaffirm commitment to shared decision-making /post/uofltoday/trustees-approve-strategic-plan-reaffirm-commitment-to-shared-decision-making/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:05:26 +0000 /?p=63322 Following nearly a year of development, the University of Louisville’s 2026-2030 strategic plan was formally approved by the university’s Board of Trustees at its Jan. 22 regular meeting. The plan, , outlines the goals, along with the strategies to achieve those goals, for UofL to be a great place to learn, discover, connect and work.

Drafts of the plan were shared with the trustees in May and June 2025. Each draft reflected suggestions submitted by students, faculty, staff and other constituencies. The campus community was also invited to strategic plan update Town Halls throughout the process.

“This plan belongs to all of us,” said President Gerry Bradley. “The decisions we make, how each unit operates, the allocation of financial, human and other resources will all apply directly to our strategic goals.”

The university’s academic programs and operating units will have until May 2026 to begin incorporating the plan’s goals and action items into their own strategic initiatives. Additionally, recommendations from the President’s Commission on Climate, Culture and Well-being will be applied to the plan as appropriate.

Approval of the strategic plan was accompanied by the affirmation of the revised . These revisions also reflect input from the university community.

Bradley will further discuss the strategic plan in his Feb. 12 State of the University Address, which will take place at 4 p.m. in the School of Music’s Comstock Hall. The event will also be livestreamed on

Value of shared governance

The Board of Trustees constituency representatives – Andrew Winters (Faculty Senate), Kevin Ledford (Staff Senate) and Macy Waddle (Student Government) – presented a to the board. The statement emphasizes the value of shared governance, open dialogue, belonging and well-being, faculty and staff stability and investment in American innovation and global competitiveness among UofL students, faculty, staff, administration, strategic partners and state government.

Though not an actionable measure for the trustees, the board’s constituency representatives felt the statement was appropriate and necessary given the complex challenges that face higher education in Kentucky.

“We certainly welcome this statement as it properly reflects the collaborative nature between the Board of Trustees and the university’s constituencies,” Bradley said. “I think it is important to point out that not all university boards of trustees include or involve constituency groups in their decision-making. At UofL, all voices are heard. All voices matter.”

The UofL Board of Trustees regular committee meetings will take place Thursday, March 19, 2026. Meeting minutes, schedules and other information are available on the .Ěý

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Executive director hired for new UofL Academic Simulation Center /section/science-and-tech/executive-director-hired-for-new-uofl-academic-simulation-center/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:21:36 +0000 /?p=63261 The University of Louisville has hired Jarrod Young as executive director of academic simulation for the coming to downtown Louisville. In a statewide context, the Academic Simulation Center will help address a critical shortage of skilled health care providers by preparing students with vital hands-on training.

Young, who will begin his new position in March, comes to Louisville from Memphis, most recently serving as director of operations/technology and business development for the Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation at the UniversityĚýof Tennessee Health Science Center.

With more than a decade of expertise in academic health care simulation, he will lead the design, development, integration and strategic direction of the Academic Simulation Center. Young received a bachelor of science in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama Birmingham, and master of business administration degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

“This position will be vital to promoting a contemporary, innovative and impactful Simulation Ecosystem for UofL,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “We are fortunate to have Jarrod Young, an established leader in health sciences simulation, to make the center a learning, research, workforce development and community engagement powerhouse for the region.”

Young said the leadership and vision of the university and local clinical partners shows that Louisville is committed to impacting the future of health care by investing in interprofessionalĚýeducation and training.

“I am honored to join the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center as we collectively aim to support the future of clinical education and patientĚýcare through health care simulation,” Young said. “My vision is to support the current health care simulation experts at the universityĚýwith my knowledgeĚýand experience growing a large health science simulationĚýcenter into a world-class program.”

The new $280 million building on the Health Sciences Center Campus will house the Academic Simulation Center as well as serve students and faculty from UofL’s Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry and Public Health and Information Sciences. The space will foster collaboration that supports goals of the university’s and contribute to the elite level of health care education in the region. The university plans to complete the building by fall 2029.Ěý

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