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.”

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.��

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

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.

That sense of momentum took center stage Feb. 12 when President Gerry Bradley delivered the at Comstock Hall in the School of Music. He emphasized a shared institutional roadmap focused on strategic goals, academic excellence, expanded research impact and deeper community partnerships.

A strategic plan for 2026-2030

Central to that vision is UofL’s , which outlines efforts to make the university a great place to learn, work, discover and connect. Along with each of the strategic plan areas, Bradley noted that the university intends to sharpen its focus on key student‑centered metrics including enrollment, six‑year retention rates, degrees awarded and experiential‑learning opportunities.

Bradley outlined several long‑term priorities that will shape the university’s growth, including:

• New residence halls
• New academic and research facilities (including STEM‑H and Honors)
• A comprehensive campaign for scholarships, buildings and research
• Development of an innovation park
• Intentional workforce and leadership development
• Continued accountability to core values

He also underscored the university’s critical role in improving health outcomes in Kentucky through , calling attention to the training of physicians and UofL’s place as part of the state’s medical safety net.

To Bradley, the plan reflects a collective vision and “roadmap,” noting that “it’s not my strategic plan; it’s our strategic plan.”

Commitment to the vision

Even as higher education institutions across the state and nation face significant challenges, Bradley emphasized that UofL continues to perform well, is financially stable and offers a strong value proposition for Kentucky students and those beyond the Commonwealth.

As part of the strategic plan, Bradley said the leadership team is committed to:

• Funding initiatives outlined in the strategic plan
• Incubating new academic programs
• Advocating for and securing external funding
• Minimizing the impact of financial mitigation on the campus community
• Supporting and continuing student success initiatives
• Holding the team accountable for outcomes in strategic plan

“I am really optimistic for the future,” Bradley said. “We are on the road. It’s going to require us to be disciplined and have a laser focus.”

Bradley also celebrated 2025 as a year of Cardinal success, pointing to record enrollment, retention, housing and accomplishments across colleges, schools and research, along with advancement of critical capital projects.

In closing, Bradley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the university.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be your president,” he said.

With a clear strategic direction and a commitment to student and community impact, he said UofL enters its next chapter positioned for continued growth and excellence.

Watch the complete .��

“The University of Louisville is in a unique position to lead dialogue that creates deeper understanding in a way that can unite us and move our state forward,” Bradley said. “Sometimes being bold begins with changing the conversation.”

Recorded in the Ekstrom Library’s , the first episode features U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. The conversation focuses on aspects of how elected officials model civility and cooperation, and how they work to balance conviction with the need to compromise. Listen to the first episode on or .

Red & Bold: Uniting Cardinals and Community��helps share messages of the ��which prioritizes the university’s efforts around the pillars: learn, work, discover and connect.��Bradley,��, plans to continue building communication efforts in 2026 with the Cardinal community and beyond.

See the����for more information and links to future episodes.��Follow President Bradley on .��

On Oct. 10, the university celebrated a new era as Bradley was inaugurated as its 20th president. Filled with music, tradition and Cardinal pride, the ceremony at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium was to a global audience, marking a historic milestone in UofL’s 227-year story.

Now at the helm of a $1.6 billion university and its $2.5 billion UofL Health system, Bradley steps into his role with both experience and vision, ready to guide the university into its next chapter.

“As we look forward, we are mindful of the responsibility placed upon us. Our task is not simply to preserve this legacy but to propel it boldly into the future,” Bradley said. “Together we will ensure that the University of Louisville takes its rightful place among the great public universities of our nation.”

Bradley’s family, including his wife Kim and five sons, attended the ceremony alongside a platform party of distinguished guests. Among those present were Senator Mitch McConnell, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Lori Stewart Gonzalez, previous provost and interim president.

“Gerry isn’t just making decisions behind the desk in the office, he’s making it a priority to get out in the community,” said McConnell, who graduated from UofL in 1964 and established the McConnell Center on campus in 1991. “He puts students first and understands keenly that UofL is part of the fabric of our community.”

Greenberg also praised Bradley for his commitment to progress and working together.

“The success of UofL is so important to the success of our city. When UofL offers a world-class education, it keeps young and bright people – our future leaders – right here in Louisville,” Greenberg said.

Coleman, who is a ’08 alumna, congratulated Bradley on behalf of Team Kentucky and Gov. Andy Beshear and shared that she was honored to speak at the institution that cultivated her values.

“Ceremonies like this demonstrate the respect we have for institutions of higher learning, the unique impact an educational experience has on each of us and the responsibility that we all share to steward this university for the next generation,” said Coleman. “Now more than ever, our world needs creative and thoughtful leaders who can build bridges of understanding and can lead through tough times with empathy and compassion.”��

Momentum

The inauguration comes at a time of incredible momentum for the university. This fall, UofL celebrated a historic milestone as for the first time. UofL also set a record with an 84.1% fall-to-fall retention rate, proving that students are not only choosing Louisville, but thriving here.

“These are not just numbers, they are lives and families transformed by higher education,” Bradley said.

The momentum doesn’t stop there. UofL also earned its highest ranking ever in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges list.

Additionally, the university continues to distinguish itself as a top-tier Research 1(R1) institution, earning hundreds of millions annually in competitive research funding and addressing challenges in health, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

UofL is also one of only 11 universities nationwide to earn the R1, Opportunity College & University in Student Access and Carnegie Community Engaged classifications. These designations underscore the university’s dual role as a powerhouse of innovation and a deeply rooted community partner.

Forward Together

Earlier this month, Bradley shared his fiscal year 2026 goals with the Board of Trustees. With the board’s approval, he will focus on priorities which align with the pillars of our – learn, work, discover and connect.

“We believe we can become national leaders in these areas, and we have the momentum to do it now,” Bradley said. ��

With three campuses, 12 schools and colleges, over 25,000 students, 170,000 alumni and a mission that blends teaching, research, health care and service, UofL remains committed to shaping Kentucky’s future while driving progress on a national and global scale.

The inauguration marked a celebration of Cardinal pride, purpose and progress – proof that the UofL is moving forward together, and the best is yet to come.

Learn more about Bradley in UofL News. View photos from the inauguration on and watch the inauguration ceremony on . Stay up-to-date with President Bradley on and .

UofL News: You started your career in dentistry and later transitioned into university administration. What’s a skill from your first career that has been surprisingly helpful in your current role?

President Bradley: Dentists must quickly diagnose conditions on the spot and act decisively to treat the condition and eradicate the problem. I think that has helped in my ability to quickly get the best information, triage accordingly, decide a course of action and implement the action. ��

UofL News: You’re originally from Ireland and have lived in Switzerland and various parts of the United States. What’s something about Louisville that has genuinely charmed you?

Bradley: The warmth of the people and the size of the city. It is so convenient to get around and it has all the attractions one would need to have in a city: great restaurants, performing arts, historical sites and museums, bourbon tours, a zoo, an orchestra and more.

UofL News: When you first moved to Louisville, running was something you enjoyed. Are you still a runner or is there another form of exercise you now appreciate?

Bradley: I’m still a runner and ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon in 2024. Typically, I run approximately 30 miles a week and love the opportunity to get out and enjoy the scenery, along with the relaxation it gives me. It sets me up for the day. I like to run early in the morning, and then I don’t have to worry about trying to fit it into my schedule later in the day.

UofL News: Leading a university is only part of who you are – for example, you also have five sons. How to do strike a good work-life balance?

Bradley: I don’t take my work home; I leave it all behind. I rarely will email in the evening, only if I must, particularly if it’s people who report to me. I want my home time to be my family time.

UofL News: It’s a busy job to serve as UofL’s president. If you unexpectedly had an hour of free time on campus, what might you be doing?

Bradley: Walking through campus seeing students – that’s what I really enjoy doing during the day. I try to have at least some walking meetings during the week.

UofL News: If you could trade places with any UofL student or professor for a day, what major or activity would you choose to experience?

Bradley: I’d do something fun that I have no skill or talent doing. So, for example, I like to listen to music, but I can’t sing or play an instrument. It would be so cool, though, to be able to do this for one day.

UofL News: College is full of firsts for many students. Maybe it’s their first time away from home. Their first big group project. Their first time doing laundry. What is a story from a “first” during your college days?

Bradley: The first time being put under pressure with a rigorous curriculum, and I was no longer able to take my studies for granted. During college, I also was selected as the class president for the first time.

UofL News: You’ve navigated different roles within UofL, from dean to provost to president. How do you know when it’s the right time to take on a new challenge?��

Bradley: You don’t always know, occasionally opportunities come your way. Keep doing well at the job you have and sometimes you are asked to take on new jobs and roles.

UofL News: What advice do you have for students as they set their sights on a future goal or career?

Bradley: Never give up doing what you love.

First up was Bradley, who was unanimously voted president by the Board of Trustees on March 26. In his remarks, Bradley emphasized how “his heart is with UofL,” and that played a significant role in his decision to accept the appointment.

“I am excited about the future of our great university,” said Bradley, who joined UofL as dean of the School of Dentistry in August 2016 and served as provost in both interim and permanent roles since 2022. “We have fantastic people in place to keep our momentum going forward.”

Bradley, along with Faculty Senate President Eugene Mueller, Staff Senate President Kevin Ledford and Board Chair Diane Medley, fielded questions about changes in university leadership.

Mueller and Ledford said the timeline needed to conduct a national search (average 1.5 to 2 years) was not practical given the immediate needs of ongoing university initiatives.

“The constituent representatives on the board – Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government – were all fully involved in the process and stand by the measure,” said Mueller.

Bradley was appointed with a three-year contract, rather than the customary five-year contract. In two years, the Board of Trustees along with all appropriate shared governance mechanisms, will conduct a formal review of Bradley’s work.

“We have a strong leader in President Bradley, and we look forward to working with him,” added Medley.

In his remarks, Bradley said that there will be no major changes in policies or priorities from the previous administration. Those priorities include completion of the university’s current Strategic Plan and development of the new Strategic Plan, which will be introduced in early 2026. Growing student enrollment and retention are among other university goals.

When asked about the potential impacts of the recently passed (an act relating to diversity, equity and inclusion), Bradley said that the university is an agent of the state and must abide by the law. However, the university’s general counsel, along with the general counsels from several other Kentucky universities, is working with the state attorney general to get clarification on what the law requires.

Interim Provost Cardarelli echoed Bradley’s comments about the university’s current priorities. She added that student success is one of her priorities and wants to create initiatives that promote a shared understanding among faculty, staff and administrators of their respective roles to prioritize a meaningful and productive higher education experience for UofL’s students.

Cardarelli will also drive ongoing efforts to ensure that faculty compensation standards are competitive in today’s market.

Concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts’ impact on UofL’s international students and faculty were raised at both meetings.

Paul Hofmann, associate vice provost for international affairs, addressed those concerns with Faculty Senate, and Cardarelli did so with the Staff Senate.

Recently, rumors circulated about ICE agents detaining international students on the Health Sciences Center Campus. Cardarelli and Hofmann said that these rumors were not true and noted that, if ICE were to come to any of the university’s campuses, they would first contact the University of Louisville Police Department.

The larger concern, according to Hofmann, is international students’ ability to return to the United States after traveling abroad, including those who travel as part of UofL-sponsored travel abroad programs. While a visa allows an individual to attempt to enter a country, it does not guarantee entry. The final decision on whether one is allowed to enter rests with the immigration officials at the port of entry.

The UofL International Center provides guidance to international students on how to best consider their decisions to travel abroad for personal, academic or professional reasons.

The next meeting of the University of Louisville Faculty Senate is Thursday, May 1, 3-5 p.m., Chao Auditorium, Ekstrom Library, Belknap Campus. Meeting minutes, committee reports, action items and other information are available on the .

The Staff Senate’s next meeting is Tuesday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m., on Teams. Meeting minutes, committee reports, action items and other information are available on the .

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 .

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 20^th 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.”

The Power 50 list identifies the city’s most influential people in business and related communities. Louisville Business First selected honorees from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing, and did not include elected officials.

Schatzel secured a position on the fifth annual edition of the list in 2024 after being included in 2023’s “Five on the Rise.”��

Under Schatzel’s leadership, UofL secured a $24 million funding package to launch the Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center, a statewide effort to transform the university’s clinical research infrastructure and combat chronic conditions that disproportionately affect Kentuckians, like cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.��

The UofL president also oversaw procurement of the funding for the new planned Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub at the downtown Health Sciences Center campus, a project made possible by a landmark $280 million investment by the state of Kentucky. The center will increase the impact of the university’s research and health professions education effort, benefitting people across the commonwealth by producing highly qualified physicians, dentists, nurses and public health professionals and fostering collaboration among the city’s health care organizations.

Also returning to the Power 50 list is��, who has led the university’s academic health system since early 2019 and was the overseer for the recently opened UofL Health – South Hospital. The new facility provides access to health care for residents of Bullitt County and southern Jefferson County.

The 2025 Power 50 list also includes numerous Cardinal alumni and donors, along with current and past members of UofL boards.

Additionally, Business First announced an inaugural Power 50 Hall of Fame category of honorees, all who have UofL-ties. They are:

• Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, most recently the owner of Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Bridgeman Sports and Media
• Christina Lee Brown, philanthropist, UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute
• Edward “Ed” Glasscock, chairman emeritus, Frost Brown Todd LLC
• Alice Houston, co-founder and owner, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
• David Jones Jr., president and founder, Chrysalis Ventures
• Mike Mountjoy, founding partner and chairman emeritus, MCM CPAs and Advisors (now Cherry Bekaert)
• Phoebe Wood, principal, CompaniesWood and co-founder of KirtleyWood

The honorees will be recognized in the March 28, 2025, print edition of Louisville Business First, and online around this time.