LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- University of Louisville officials continue to keep private the reasons behind the sudden resignation of former President Kim Schatzel a week after her departure.
At a special meeting March 26, the school's board of trustees accepted Schatzel's resignation and, without undergoing a search process, named Gerry Bradley as U of L's 20th president.
"The goals of Dr. Schatzel changed," board chair Diane Medley said after the meeting, explaining the change. "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."
In a brief telephone conversation Tuesday, Medley declined to say specifically what each side's "goals" are.
"I'm trying to be respectful of your questions, but at this point I'm not really at liberty to say anything else. OK, so thank you for the call."
The university will not make Medley available for an interview, spokesman John Karman said. Asked why there has not been a public explanation about the leadership change, he said: "We're bound by the agreement that is in place."
That agreement includes "provisions on mutual non-disparagement," according to a term sheet U of L provided after Schatzel's resignation.
Schatzel did not respond to a text message sent shortly after the board meeting. Other trustees reached by WDRB News have not responded to messages.
In a news conference Thursday, Bradley tried to address some of the concerns publicly.
"Admittedly, it has been a whirlwind week for the U of L and me personally," he said.
Bradley acknowledged that the sudden change in leadership caused "confusion" and "concern." Some question why an interim president wasn't named so an outside search could be conducted. But Bradley said the board approached him about the position.
"I was contacted during the time that the board was making their decisions — not only about the president's resignation but also about having me," he said. "So I'm not sure of the timing or the context, but it all happened very quickly, as you might imagine."
Bradley said Thursday that the decision was made in the best interest of faculty, students and the community.
"I think the board felt this was an important step to appoint someone for a period of time — not a long contract, but a period of time — so the faculty and community could provide input," he said.
Bradley said he was very involved in the school's strategic plan and will continue to work toward that mission. He said his top priorities include increasing student enrollment, retaining those students and getting them to graduation.
WDRB reporter Marcus Green contributed to this report.
Top Stories:
- Tornado leaves extensive damage, thousands without power in east Louisville
- Dow drops 1,400 as US stocks lead worldwide sell-off after Trump's tariffs cause a COVID-like shock
- Steve Lawson's attorneys request another delay in trial for Crystal Rogers case
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
