The expansion is supported by renewed funding from Class Act Federal Credit Union, which has committed $450,000 to support scholarships and programmatic needs.

The Louisville Teacher Residency, the first program of its kind in Kentucky, provides college graduates who did not major in education the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and Kentucky teaching certification in just one year, in exchange for a commitment to teach in a high-needs JCPS school.

“UofL is deeply grateful for our partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools to implement a teacher residency program that recruits, retains and elevates future educators,” said President Gerry Bradley. “We are also grateful to Class Act for their generous scholarship support, which enables us to create new pathways for educators pursuing careers in Early Childhood łÉÈËֱȄ and Special łÉÈËֱȄ.”

During the residency year, participants spend four days each week embedded in JCPS classrooms, gaining hands-on teaching experience under the guidance of master teachers. On Fridays and throughout the summer, residents attend classes at UofL, completing coursework co-designed by JCPS and university faculty to ensure alignment with classroom realities and district needs. Upon completion, residents transition into full-time teaching roles within JCPS.

“I am thankful for Class Act’s continued support, which plays an important role in providing our residents with the guidance, resources, and preparation needed to succeed in the classroom,” said Stefanie Wooten Burnett, assistant dean at UofL’s College of łÉÈËֱȄ and Human Development. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the teacher pipeline and supporting students in JCPS.”Ìę

Class Act Federal Credit Union has now committed more than $1 million to the Louisville Teacher Residency program since its creation.

“Supporting the Louisville Teacher Residency aligns with our credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ and specifically with Class Act’s mission of supporting education in our community” said Tom Anonson, president and CEO at Class Act Federal Credit Union. “By partnering with UofL and JCPS, we are helping prepare educators who will make a lasting difference for students and families across our community.”

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.Ìę

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

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.

“Dr. Smith is ideally suited for this next evolution for UofL Health,” said Gerry Bradley, University of Louisville president and UofL Health board chair. “He is a trusted leader within the organization, among colleagues and throughout the community. That, along with his clinical and administrative expertise, provides a unique skillset to lead our system and the team to deliver the best care to those we serve.”

“I am both humbled and honored to lead this team – one built on a foundation of academic excellence, compassionate care and community partnership – working each day to better the health of the communities and commonwealth we serve,” Smith said. “Over the past decade, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses, staff and academic partners. Together, we have faced some of the most complex challenges in modern health care, yet through our shared mission, we have continued to expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen our system for the patients and families who depend on us. This is a pivotal time for UofL Health and for the commonwealth we serve. I am inspired by what we have accomplished and energized by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more resilient and more innovative health system for the future of Kentucky.”

Smith joined the faculty at the UofL School of Medicine in 2008 after completing medical school and residency at The Ohio State University. He earned his PhD in physiology and biophysics from the University of Louisville and received a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is board-certified in general surgery and critical care. He was recently awarded the Paragon Award from the Greater Louisville Medical Society for outstanding contributions to health care leadership, advocacy for gun violence victims and his commitment to the education of future physicians.

As CEO of UofL Health, Smith will lead a regional academic health system made up of nine hospitals, four medical centers, Brown Cancer Center and Eye Institute. UofL Health has 250 locations in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with more than 1,200 providers. With his appointment, UofL Health becomes the only physician-led health system in the region.

“As a combined system, UofL Health has had a tremendous impact in a short period of time. As we transition into our new future, our focus will remain clear: to sustain our financial health, support our workforce, and advance our academic mission so that every patient receives the highest quality of care—close to home, from a team that reflects the very best of this community,” Smith said.

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.”Ìę

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. Ìę

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 .

The largest of these gifts, a $3 million investmentÌęin the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) atÌę,Ìęwill help create eight new private family rooms designed to improve outcomes for medically fragile newborns.

“Through their investment in UofL and UofL Health, Kosair for Kids makes it possible for us to provide critical care to pediatric patients and their families—from the NICU, to Frazier RehabÌęInstitute, to the School of Dentistry,” said University of Louisville President and Chair of the UofL Health Board of Directors Gerry Bradley. “Family-centered care is proven to improve outcomes, and these investments will truly change lives. We are honored to join Kosair for Kids in making this care possible for the children of our region.”

Each year, the NICU at UofL Hospital provides care for more than 400 newborns, with nearly 90% coming from low-income households.ÌęThe NICU expansion will convert outdated open-bay nursery space into private rooms, allowing parents to stay with their infants, strengthening family bonds and supporting improved medical outcomes.

“We are deeply grateful to Kosair for Kids for their extraordinary generosity and continued partnership with UofL Health and UofL. This investment in our NICU is transformational,” said UofL Health Interim CEO Jason Smith. “It means more families can remain together during critical moments of care and more babies will have the best possible chance at a healthy start. Thanks to Kosair for Kids, we can extend hope and healing to the youngest and most vulnerable in our community.”

In addition to the NICU expansion, Kosair for Kids will also be supporting two additional initiatives:

• $47,300 toÌęÌęto purchase specialized pediatric rehabilitation equipment, including the Bioness L300 Go Plus System, which helps children with neurological conditions strengthen mobility and independence.
• $50,000 to the , ensuring children and families experiencing financial hardship continue to receive essential oral health services.

For more than a century, Kosair for Kids has been dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children in Kentucky and southern Indiana. These latest gifts build on its longstanding collaboration with UofL and UofL Health, helping ensure every child has the best opportunity to grow, heal and thrive.

“I am pleased to announce Dr. Hill as the new Dean of the School of Dentistry,” said Interim Provost Kathryn Cardarelli. “As a distinguished alumnus of the University of Louisville, Dr. Hill brings exceptional expertise and leadership in dental education, along with a deep understanding of UofL’s unique values. I am confident that under Dr. Hill’s guidance, the School of Dentistry will continue to thrive and innovate in patient care, research, and community service.”

Hill said she’s enthusiastic about leading one of the nation’s oldest dental schools into the future. “I am truly honored by the confidence that leaders including President Bradley, Interim Provost Cardarelli and the Board of Trustees have shown in me,” said Hill. “I am fully committed to continuing the school’s legacy of service to the community and educational innovation that goes back to the 1800s.”

A native of Estill County, KY, Hill obtained her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Kentucky University and attended the UofL School of Dentistry, earning her DMD in 1987. She then earned a certificate in general practice residency at the UofL School of Dentistry and completed her residency in periodontics at the University of Kentucky in 1990.

Before joining the UofL School of Dentistry full-time, Hill worked in private practice in Elizabethtown, KY.

Hill has published extensively on oral health, with an emphasis on periodontal research. She is also active in dental and dental education organizations, holding leadership positions includingÌęcommission on change and innovation liaison and women’s liaison for the American Dental łÉÈËֱȄ Association.

As part of the UofL community for more than 40 years as a student, faculty member, associate dean, interim dean and now dean, Hill said she finds joy not just in teaching the next generation of dental professionals, but also in developing the next generation of faculty. As the dental school’s leader, she said she plans to continue the school’s focus on being a national exemplar in oral health education, research and community engagement with continued emphasis on community-centered care and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

“To achieve our goals, we must take a relationship-driven approach to engaging the broader university community and external stakeholders,” she said. “Our success is tied to partnerships across campus, within Louisville, throughout Kentucky and beyond.”

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.Ìę Ìę

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. Ìę

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.”

Executive Vice President and University Provost Gerry Bradley addressed ongoing dean searches. Ìę

• Semifinalist interviews for the dean of the College of Business concluded in February. Campus visits with four candidates began in mid-March. The search is expected to conclude by summer 2025.
• The dean search for the School of Dentistry is active and expected to conclude by summer 2025.
• Teresa Reed, dean of the School of Music since 2019, will step down in summer 2025 to return to a faculty position. Provost unit meetings on next steps were held in January and February. Associate Dean Krista Wallace-Boaz will serve as interim dean.

Bradley also provided an update on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation of the accreditation process. Committee meetings have begun, with the application due in fall 2026 and site visits scheduled for March 2026.

Aaron LeMay, the newly appointed executive vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, reported on capital projects and budget development.

Both the steam/chilled water plant modernization project and the HVAC upgrade in the Chemistry Building are underway, on schedule and within budget. Ìę

LeMay said that “tuition and fees are exceeding the expected budget” because of continued record enrollment. The university’s liquid cash exceeds prior years due to budget, investment and asset management. Current liquid assets are more than $10 million greater than financials for fiscal year 2024 at this same time, and nearly $40 million greater than March of fiscal year 2023.

UofL’s CFO said he and his team are exploring new strategies that will continue to boost the university’s financial performance.

The University of Louisville Research Foundation and Board of Trustees will meet April 17, 2025. Agenda items and meeting minutes are available on the university’s .