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 .Ìę

“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.ÌęBradley, , plans to continue building communication efforts in 2026 with the Cardinal community and beyond.

See the  for more information and links to future episodes.ÌęFollow President Bradley on .Ìę

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.

The university also boasts a record high fall-to-fall retention rate of 84.1%, showcasing student satisfaction and success.

“Our enrollment and retention numbers send a clear message – students want to be here at the University of Louisville,” said President Gerry Bradley. “This remarkable growth is a powerful vote of confidence from thousands of students who have weighed their options and chose UofL and Louisville as their home. We’re committed to providing an outstanding education that prepares them for the careers and challenges of tomorrow.”

Enrollment highlights

Preliminary figures show that 3,373 first-time college students enrolled for the fall 2025 semester, a nearly 8% increase from the previous year.

Other highlights of the Class of 2029 include:

• 38.6% are first-generation college students
• Nearly 27% are from other states
• Top five majors are engineering, nursing, biology, education and business

Overall undergraduate enrollment increased by nearly 1,000 students, with notable gains in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, the College of Business, the School of Nursing and the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate and professional enrollments also rose, particularly in the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.

This year’s student body also includes representation from every Kentucky county, a testament to UofL’s statewide impact and reach.

Expanding student opportunities

Behind these record numbers are intentional efforts to expand access and affordability. The university has invested in targeted recruitment, launched new and innovative academic programs and increased financial aid opportunities. For example, the is one opportunity that makes college more affordable for many out-of-state students. In-state tuition is available to students from Illinois, most of Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and select counties in Tennessee starting next fall.

“I chose UofL because coming here gave me the opportunity to become debt free after college,” said Casey Beck, a third-year College of Business student from Cincinnati, Ohio. “The Border Benefit cut out-of-state tuition in half, and UofL quickly became a top pick in college choices due to the jumpstart on college expenses.”

Final enrollment numbers will be available in November 2025. For more information, visit .