University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel Abruptly Resigns

The board of trustees for the University of Louisville has announced that President Kim Schatzel has resigned, according to a report from the Kentucky Lantern. In an unanimous decision, the board voted to install Gerry Bradley as Dr. Schatzel’s successor. The university will not conduct a presidential search; Dr. Bradley’s appointment is effective immediately.

“We were very pleased with how things had gone with the legislature, with some of the programs that were being initiated,” said board chair Diane Medley. “As with any position, times change, the goals of Dr. Schatzel changed, our goals changed, and we were very fortunate to have had the ability to name Dr. Bradley, who had already been here, so we wouldn’t lose any momentum.”

Dr. Schatzel, who assumed the University of Louisville presidency in February 2023, was not present at the board’s meeting. As part of her separation, she “will be paid $400,000 plus applicable earnings on account of deferred compensation within a month of her resignation. She will also receive an additional payment of $300,000 in six monthly installments beginning April 15.”

Dr. Bradley was set to become provost of the University of Cincinnati on June 1. However, on March 25, the university announced that he was “pursuing other opportunities.” He had been serving as provost of the University of Louisville since 2022, following six years as dean of the university’s School of Dentistry.