The recently reported that Kentucky led the nation in one-year gains in undergraduate persistence and retention from 2023 to 2024, with increases of 9.8% and 7.9% respectively. These gains pushed the commonwealth above the national average in both measures and UofL is proud to be a driving force behind that progress, with its own historic milestone of record retention and enrollment.

What sets UofL apart is the way it supports students not only when they begin college but throughout their entire academic journey.

Smoothing path for transfer students

As a top transfer destination in the state, one major way UofL supports the state is by making it easier for students to transfer and continue their education. ��From fall 2021 to fall 2023, UofL’s transfer student total grew from 868 to 1,207, a significant 39.1% increase.

To build on that momentum, the university expanded its partnership last year with all 16 Kentucky Community and Technical College System schools, offering scholarships, financial aid, advising and satellite offices on partner campuses. This initiative ensures students transition seamlessly to UofL and keeps them on track toward their degrees.

Programs built for persistence

Supporting transfers is just one piece of the puzzle. Staying in college is about more than academics as life can throw unexpected challenges in the way. Imagine right before the semester starts your car gets vandalized, and the money you’d saved for tuition suddenly has to cover repairs. You start wondering if staying in school is even possible.

That’s where a comes in. This unique on-campus role helps students navigate a wide range of challenges from financial worries and personal struggles to academic hurdles and uncertainty about majors. Their mission is to give every Cardinal the support and confidence they need to keep going.

“We are your designated helpful person at the university,” said Anika Strand, a coordinator in the . “If you need a problem solver, if you need someone who’s just going to help you get the information you need or get to the right person, that’s what we’re here for. We are your teammate, your advocate when either something’s going wrong or you’re just feeling uncertain or confused about just college life.”

Expanding access

Another important effort to keep students in school through graduation is to ensure their education remains affordable. UofL gave thousands of Kentucky students access to additional aid to attend the university by expanding the Cardinal Commitment Grant, which is renewable throughout a student’s college tenure. The grant narrows the gap between financial aid and the total cost of attendance, which includes housing, dining, transportation, books and other miscellaneous expenses.

UofL’s dedication to redefining student success is driving real results and moving Kentucky forward together. Learn more about how UofL is creating thriving futures in the commonwealth and beyond at uoflnews.com. ����

UofL has hundreds of degree programs for students to choose from to gain a valuable education. But UofL also offers a wide range of courses that go beyond core requirements and traditional learning, offering students a chance to dive into unique topics and explore new interests, no matter how quirky.

With such a diverse mix of interesting classes to choose from, Cardinals are able to mix curiosity with their career goals. Whether you’re interested in learning about dogs in society, reality TV, fairy tales or want to learn to play piano, these courses keep learning fresh and exciting and empower students to step outside their majors and into subjects they may have never considered. ��

Check out these one-of-a-kind classes offered at UofL and consider adding one of these hidden gems to your schedule. You might just discover new strengths and perspectives that shape the path to your future.

Creative vibes and culture:��For when you want to spark your inner artist or dive into the beats that defined generations.

• Communicating Hip-Hop Culture

Description:��Analysis of rap music as a communicative force both within and about hip-hop culture. Topics of study include the origins, development and participants of the culture with special emphasis on rap music as the primary vehicle of communication.

• The Rhythm and Blues Revolution and American Culture��

Description:��The history of Rhythm and Blues from its post-WWII origins to the post-Civil Rights Movement era, with particular emphasis on its impact on the U.S. and global popular culture and ideas about race.

• Color Theory and Human Factors in Interior Design

Description:��A visual design theory course that explores the use of color theory and human factors/ergonomics information necessary for analyzing and designing the interior environment.��

Life, land and living things:��Explore how humans, animals and environments shape each other.

• People and Their Food����

Description:��Everyone eats but we eat such different things. This course examines the reasons why, across the globe, we meet our common nutritional needs in so many different ways. We explore food and foodways as products of soil, politics and culture.

• Dogs in Society: An Interdisciplinary Examination of the Human-Canine Connection����

Description:��The course examines the evolution of dogs as human partners in society and delves into the relationship of our species with one another. It explores medical, safety, ethical, regulatory and legal issues, including the American with Disabilities Act and municipal approaches to regulating ownership. It considers behavioral adaptations of both species and some cutting-edge research in canine neuroscience.��

• A Global Perspective of Equine Industry

Description:��A study of the increasing global scope of the equine industry and the economic, political and social forces influencing growth. Attention will be given to the effects of changing political systems, regulation, taxation, exchange rates, global competition, demographics and other forces.

• Geography of Kentucky

Description:��Spatial patterns and processes of the Commonwealth; emphasis on human-environment interaction, population, settlement and economic base.

Talk, trends and TikToks: Sharpen your persuasion skills, dissect reality TV and see how communication shapes culture.

• Rhetoric from Greeks to Tweets��

Description:��The use of persuasion from the time of Aristotle to the current age of mediated communication. Students journey to ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Enlightenment Europe and beyond to explore perennial questions and possible answers that have contemporary relevance.

• Reality Television

Description:��Study of the various genres of reality television, its audiences and the culture in which this programming is produced.

Strategic moves and mind games:��Master the art of thinking ahead with game theory — from business negotiations to everyday decisions.

• Game Theory

Description:��Introduction to game theory and strategic behavior. Dominance, backward induction, Nash equilibrium, commitment, credibility, asymmetric information and signaling. Applications from economics, politics, sociology and other real-life situations.

Epic tales and page turners: From Shakespeare’s dramas to French mysteries and timeless myths — these classes have all the storytelling you could want.

• Special Topics: Shakespeare��

Description:��A study of selected plays of Shakespeare. Historical period: pre-1700.

• The French Detective Story

Description:��Exploration of the detective novel genre through study of works by French and francophone authors.

• Greek Mythology

Description:��Mythology of Greek gods and goddesses through the study of ancient texts, major sites of worship and ancient representations of these deities.

• The Literary Fairy Tale��

Description:��An investigation of the literary fairy tale from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.

Bend, stretch and skill up:��Try something new, from learning your first piano chord to mastering the downward dog.

• Piano for Beginners

Description:��Introduction to basic techniques of practical piano playing. Students do not need prior experience with the piano or with music.

• Introduction to Yoga

Description:��This course is designed to introduce the foundation poses of Yoga, the basics of healthy posture, simple breathing techniques and progressive deep relaxation skills.

To learn more, check out the full undergraduate��. And don’t miss the drop/add hunger games. The last day to add a class is Friday, Aug. 22. Fun classes like these tend to fill up quickly or are only offered during specific semesters. If you miss out this time, keep track of the schedule of classes to know when it will be offered again and snag your spot.��

UofL is one of only 21 universities nationwide to earn both the Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity College & University (OCU) designations in the .

In April, UofL was named an OCU in the Student Access and Earnings Classification, the latest recognition in the redesigned system of Carnegie Classifications from the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on ����ֱ��. OCUs “can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success,” according to the Carnegie Foundation.

“UofL is dedicated to redefining student success, ensuring our Cardinals have access to an outstanding education that prepares them for the careers and challenges of tomorrow,” said President Gerry Bradley. “We are honored to be recognized as an Opportunity College and delighted for others to recognize what our students, our alumni and their employers have already discovered – the incredible value of a UofL degree.”

The Student Access and Earnings Classification measures whether institutions are enrolling and creating opportunities for students in communities they serve, as well as whether students earn competitive wages after they attend.

UofL was classified “higher access, higher earnings” to give it the OCU title. It is the only ACC institution to receive the OCU rating and one of only two public colleges in Kentucky, the other being Eastern Kentucky University. Bellarmine University, a private institution, also made the cut.

There are 479 OCUs across the country and 187 R1s. UofL received its reaffirmation as an R1 in February. The Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on ����ֱ�� set out to update the Carnegie Classifications this year to better reflect the current nature of higher education and its benefits.

“With this redesign of the Carnegie Classifications, we set out to measure what matters,”�� Mushtaq Gunja, executive director of the Carnegie Classification systems and senior vice president at ACE, said in a press release. “Nowadays, institutions can’t be reduced down to the highest degree they award because they exist to serve a wide range of students in a wide variety of ways. Using multiple factors in how we classify institutions is an essential step toward making the classifications more useful to researchers, policymakers, funding agencies, and others.”

UofL also is one of 369 institutions nationwide classified as a Carnegie Community Engaged University, earning recognition for its multifaceted . Together, the three Carnegie Classifications highlight how UofL creates and applies knowledge and innovation that makes a positive impact on students, community and society.

Learn more about how UofL helps students for opportunities in college and their beyond.

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

• 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. ��

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 .

This is based on an analysis by��Inside Higher Ed, which has released its ��ranking NCAA teams based on academic performance. Using the most recent data available, the NCAA’s 2022-2023 along with student-athlete graduation success rate and overall institution graduation rates, the assessment placed UofL in the championship game against Clemson University.

The excitement of March Madness may capture the nation’s attention for a few weeks, but at UofL there’s something special about being a Cardinal on and off the court. The university’s commitment to is year-round.

UofL’s robust plays a key role in this success. From tutoring to priority registration to academic counseling, these resources ensure that Cardinals are equipped with the tools they need to thrive both in their sport and in the classroom.

Each year, the NCAA recognizes teams with multiyear academic progress rates in the top 10 percent of their sport, and . Additionally, UofL student-athletes collectively earned a 3.311 GPA for the 2024 spring semester, marking the 27th consecutive semester with a department-wide GPA of 3.0 or better.

While the actual tournament has just begun, one thing remains certain—it’s always a great time to be a Cardinal.

“These past two years have simply flown by,” Schatzel said, expressing her appreciation to the UofL community and the city of Louisville as she begins her third year as president.

Schatzel then highlighted a series of accomplishments from 2024 and the collective effort that made them possible:

• Historic Records: UofL had a record enrollment of 24,123 students, representing 117 Kentucky counties, 54 states and U.S. territories and 90 countries. The university also celebrated historic highs in fall-to-fall retention and fall-to-spring persistence all pointing to a soon-to-be-realized 70% six-year graduation rate.
• Redefining Student Success: Schatzel highlighted the university’s commitment to access, noting increased enrollment for Pell-eligible, first-generation and underserved students for the past three years, as well as a 10% increase in military-connected student enrollment. The president credited these achievements to innovative best practices such as strengthened support services, expanded transfer pathways (including the new partnership with KCTCS), the 15 to Finish program, enhanced bordering states benefit programs, the Cardinal Commitment grant and the Comeback Cards program. Schatzel also mentioned UofL’s significant jump in U.S. News & World Report rankings and recognition as a top 100 public university. “These incredible – yes, historic – results were achieved via implementing and investing in numerous innovative best practices,” she said.
• Research & Innovation: UofL had several significant achievements in research in 2024, most notably the internationally recognized Green Heart project. Schatzel also celebrated the launch of the ��Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center made possible by the single largest investment in clinical research in the university’s history –$24 million to train clinical researchers. Other research highlights included record research expenditures of $188.4 million, nearly $67 million from the National Institutes of Health, a $6.75 million grant from the Humana Foundation for health equity research and the ongoing research computing initiative.
• Athletic Momentum: Schatzel celebrated the achievements of UofL’s athletic programs, from national runners-up in volleyball to a Sun Bowl championship in football and the revival of the men’s basketball program.
• Legislative Partnership:�� UofL received unprecedented support during the 2024 legislative session, securing over half a billion dollars in support for the university. This included $260 million for a simulation center and collaboration hub, over $90 million for physical plant renovations and continued progress on the new engineering building.
• Community Engagement: Schatzel reaffirmed UofL’s commitment to Louisville and Kentucky, highlighting the expansion of University Hospital, the establishment of a rural cancer center in Bullitt County, the opening of a School of Dentistry practice��at the Goodwill Opportunity Center in west Louisville, and the launch of an immigration law clinic by the Brandeis School of Law. “Our community impact is strong, and it is growing even stronger,” she said.

Schatzel also recognized outstanding individuals within the UofL community, including Fulbright Scholars, 2024 Trustees Award winner Jennifer Brueckner-Collins and 2024 George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award recipient Angela Taylor. She emphasized the university’s commitment to its employees, highlighting investments in compensation studies and market adjustments.

Looking ahead to 2025, Schatzel outlined several key priorities including:

• Beginning a five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030;
• Finalizing the university leadership team;
• Launching the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan and the submission for reaffirmation of the Community Engaged University designation; and
• Developing Belknap Campus with a recent acquisition of the Cardinal Center property by the UofL Foundation, with initial plans to create green space and then determine the best permanent use.

Schatzel concluded her address with a message of momentum and pride.

“I am so proud of all that is happening right now at the University of Louisville,” she said. “I think you’ll agree that there has been no better time to be a Cardinal.”

. ��

The designation by the International College Learning Center Association (ICLCA) – an organization that promotes the professional standards of excellence for learning centers internationally – makes UofL one of only eight universities in the world to hold the title. UofL is the only ACC school and the only university in Kentucky to house an ICLCA Learning Center of Excellence.����

Investing in students to redefine success both in their academic programs and the workforce beyond, REACH provides interactive tutoring and coaching for numerous academic subjects. The ICLCA recognized it as a program that exceeds expectations in several areas, from resources and learning environment to design framework and staff development.��

“This recognition reflects not only our center’s commitment to supporting undergraduates’ academic pathways but also the commitment from the university to prioritize support services that are vital to improving students’ concept mastery, grades and GPAs, retention rates, and graduation rates” said Geoff Bailey, executive director of REACH. “Our center stands apart from other learning centers by adopting innovative technologies such as virtual reality, forging corporate relationships and sponsorships, and leveraging grant opportunities to scale up our services.”��

REACH not only serves currently enrolled Cardinals, but also recognizes a need in college preparation for high school students within the community. Each summer, REACH hosts the Math Xcelerator program, designed for students about to begin their first year at UofL. This three-week intensive program helps students boost their math skills to college levels before enrolling, using an emporium-style instructional model, through team-building activities, academic workshops, and mentor relationships with faculty.��

“Over 90% of participants successfully finish at least half of their coursework during Xcelerator, and 50% complete the entire course which enables them to move to their next math class in the fall,” Bailey said. “Moreover, we’ve shown that our historically marginalized students, first-generation college students, and low-income students not only thrive and achieve success through Xcelerator, but their first-to-second year retention rates are 20-30% higher than their peers from these backgrounds.”��

REACH’s work has led to many success stories among the participants Bailey has witnessed move through the program. He shared that one of a student had put off his required math course until it was potentially preventing graduation. With REACH’s help, the student began an individualized tutoring plan and worked to address his confidence and mental focus. He graduated, after thinking for years he couldn’t do it.

“He later came back to UofL where he successfully completed his master’s degree in social work, and now he supports disadvantaged youth in the west end of Louisville where he grew up and works to inspire them to achieve their own success,” Bailey said.����

This impact reflects UofL’s commitment to equip the next generation of students by unlocking potential for the whole community to thrive.����

“We had a quick demo on how to kayak at the dock and after I started paddling, I quickly got the hang of it. However, when I was collecting trash,��I felt something brush up on me, presumably a spider and started freaking out and capsized,” said Anderson, a student in the School of Public Health. “Luckily a friend nearby helped me get back on. Even though I did fall, it was still a great first experience I never would’ve had if not��for the ASB service trip.”

This summer, the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement led six UofL students on a five-day alternative service break (ASB) trip to Chicago. Unlike typical vacations, ASB programs prioritize direct service and addressing the specific needs of local communities.

“Students are expected to approach the experience with flexibility, a servant-leadership mindset and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone,” said Alarah Gillum, UofL’s community engagement specialist.

The students worked with two organizations: one focused on environmental justice and another on housing justice.

The first site, Urban Rivers, a nonprofit focused on restoring city waterways, introduced students to grassroots efforts using floating piers to reintroduce natural habitats. Located on the , the floating dock, made of recycled materials, provides shelter for fish, animals and insects.

Urban Rivers staff taught the students how to kayak, and they then set out on the Chicago River, collecting trash along the way.

“This experience was eye-opening and transformative,” said Isaiah Cruz, a first-year biology student in the College of Arts and Sciences. “The trip made me realize how much is out there in the world and how complex it is. Working with Urban Rivers, I was able to see how people are working to clean the river and make it a place of growth for the community.”

The second site, , serving over 500 unaccompanied youth, introduced students to the causes and consequences of youth homelessness in Chicago. UofL students volunteered at Belfort House, a transitional shelter, by weeding, cleaning and decorating rooms.

“Seeing how Ignite was able to house kids from across the country was also very interesting, I loved learning about how they undertake their mission and the steps they take to ensure that the youth go into society with the skills needed to be successful,” said Cruz. “This trip made me realize I want to work closer with legislation so that projects like these can be supported instead of restricted.”��

One of the biggest treats for students was the ability to connect with alumni. The arranged a meeting with Bri Salsman ’08, an author and certified life coach. When Salsman learned about the students’ visit to Chicago, she eagerly agreed to not only meet with the students, but to also volunteer alongside them. ��

“Having worked in higher ed in the early part of my career, it’s always a treat to get to interact with college students,” Salsman said. “When I learned they planned to serve the community, and I couldn’t help but serve alongside them. We shared meals, exchanged stories, and helped improve the living conditions of neighbors getting on their feet.”

Students interested in serving locally alongside other students can for the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement’s first West End Weekend, Nov. 9-10, 2024, in the Portland neighborhood West End Weekends are a local opportunity for students to volunteer in their own community. Students will stay on campus but be transported to service sites in the West End of Louisville, working with non-profits on Saturday and Sunday.

The next out-of-state trip for ASB will be to Washington, D.C. in March. Applications are due Jan. 15.

For more information, follow on Instagram.

Allie Rose Phillips, Griffin Gould, Macy Waddle and Dontre Quarles were elected to the executive board last spring. These students begin with several impressive accomplishments under their belt, showing they are each well acquainted with influential leadership.

• Leading the charge as SGA student body president is Allie Rose Philips, a junior from the Clay County, Ky., who is studying political science. Phillips is a McConnell Scholar, a Vogt Scholar and a University Honor Scholar. Earlier this year��at the Kentucky Leadership Academy, Philips was elected by the other SGA presidents across Kentucky to serve as the chair of the Board of Student Body Presidents. This board exists to have a state-level impact on the legislative and executive branches regarding postsecondary education issues and concerns of students.
• A junior from Union, Ky., Griffin Gould is serving as SGA executive vice president. Studying mechanical engineering, he has held several other leadership positions, including work on the Speed School Student Council, Phi Kappa Tau and SGA Assistant Services.
• Macy Waddle, a sophomore from Mt. Washington, Ky., studying political science and Spanish, takes on the role of academic vice president. Already holding a diverse range of leadership roles, she serves as the co-director of Engage Lead Serve Board Animal Welfare Committee and the McConnell Scholar’s Program Outreach Chair.
• Dontre Quarles, a sophomore from Hopkinsville, Ky., studying computer science and criminal justice, is SGA’s services vice president. Like Gould, Quarles serves on the Speed School Student Council and in Phi Kappa Tau as the Sergeant at Arms.