Cardarelli joined UofL as dean of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences in April 2024. In March 2025, she was appointed interim university provost to provide leadership for academic affairs and set the university’s curricula through collaboration with faculty, staff and students. 

“Since Dr. Cardarelli arrived on UofL’s campus, she has, time and time again, proven her talents as an innovative, forward-thinking and strategic leader in higher education,” Bradley said. “For this search, we took every measure to garner feedback on our finalists from our entire university community. With so many outstanding candidates, we had much to consider, but we are confident that we found the best person for the job in Dr. Cardarelli.” 

Cardarelli’s priorities will continue to focus on student success and further develop a strategic undergraduate success plan to dramatically improve retention. As interim provost, Cardarelli has played a key role in several initiatives such as the development of the university’s 2026-30 Strategic Plan, establishment of the Navigating Teaching Challenges program to support educators as they navigate legislative and policy changes and the development of the Student Success Task Force, which uses informed data and real-time problem-solving to improve student success. 

Before coming to UofL, Cardarelli spent 10 years at the University of Kentucky, where she served in several positions, including senior associate provost for administration and academic affairs. She also served as assistant provost and senior assistant provost for faculty affairs, associate dean for academic student and faculty affairs, and department chair at UK. Her research focuses on community-engaged approaches to reducing chronic diseases in rural and urban communities. She has served as principal investigator on more than $14 million in grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Agriculture and other sponsors. 

A professor of epidemiology and population health, Cardarelli received her Master of Public Health degree at University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She went on to earn a doctorate in epidemiology at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and completed the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine fellowship at Drexel University.  

“To help further enhance UofL’s standing as a nationally recognized institute of higher education – one that is marked by student success, breakthroughs in research and strong community engagement – is the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” Cardarelli said. “I want to thank President Bradley, the Board of Trustees, the search committee and all those who supported my candidacy for this opportunity, and I very much look forward to working with our faculty, staff and students on shaping what will no doubt be a bright future for the University of Louisville.”  

“The value Dr. Cardarelli brings to this position cannot be overstated,” Bradley said. “We look forward to seeing her vision for UofL come to life in the short and long term.” 

Bradley, dean of the since 2016, has served as interim provost since July 2023. He previously held that same role from January 2022 to February 2023.

“Dr. Bradley has been outstanding as interim provost, both during this past year and in his previous tenure,” Schatzel said. “During this process, I consulted administrative colleagues and others who have worked with him both as dean and as interim provost. Most important, I sought feedback from our Faculty Senate Executive Committee. All acknowledged his strong work as interim provost and supported the appointment.”

Bradley brings a wealth of experience and a record of accomplishment in his roles as dean of the School of Dentistry and, more recently, as interim provost. Since coming to UofL in 2016, he has played a key role in many important initiatives at the university, including co-chairing the Executive Budget Steering Committee and helping recruit several outstanding new deans, including recent hires , , and , , as well as , who will join the later this semester.

His priorities include student success, standardizing advising and introducing a strategic undergraduate success plan to dramatically improve retention. Under his leadership, the university announced the expansion of its Border Benefit Award that allows students from some neighboring states to attend UofL at in-state tuition rates. Additionally, UofL announced it is investing $2.4 million toward the’ Cardinal Commitment Grant for in-state residents in 2024, which will increase to over $8 million in the next four years.

As dean of the School of Dentistry he stabilized and enhanced its financial position, opened several dental clinics throughout the commonwealth that provide students more educational opportunities and provide access and equitable health care to diverse populations.

Before coming to UofL, he was chair and professor of developmental sciences at Marquette University School of Dentistry, where he also served as the associate dean for research and graduate studies. He previously served as the program director of the Advanced ����ֱ�� Program in Orthodontics at Marquette and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Bradley also had an orthodontic practice during his time in Wisconsin.

Bradley received his dental degree in Cork, Ireland, his orthodontic specialty training at The Ohio State University, and a doctorate in dentistry at the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Bradley has published extensively, producing more than 50 publications, including book chapters, journal publications, and presentations. His work has been focused on biomaterials and the testing of materials that are commonly used in orthodontic practice. He has had experience in clinical trials that involved testing the mechanical properties, patient perceptions, and biocompatibility.

Bradley is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Dental ����ֱ�� Association and the International Association for Dental Research. He also is an affiliate member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontics.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the Cardinal community,” Bradley said. “I want to thank President Schatzel, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees for their faith in me. I am committed to serving the needs of our students, faculty, and staff so that we continue the UofL mission, transforming lives, making new discoveries and supporting our communities and the commonwealth”

“I know you will join me in thanking Dr. Bradley for his leadership and congratulating him on his appointment to this vital role,” Schatzel said.