University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel resigns after 2 years at the helm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Less than a year after a job review touting her "strong performance," University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel resigned suddenly Wednesday with no specific explanation about what led to the departure.

The university's board of trustees announced the move following a closed session during a special meeting at Grawemeyer Hall on the Belknap Campus. Gerry Bradley, a former university executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, was named the new permanent president.

Schatzel, who took the reins at U of L in February 2023, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trustees board chair Diane Medley thanked Schatzel for her tenure, which saw her "build a team that has increased enrollment and retention and grown the university’s reputation as a research powerhouse."

"We wish Dr. Schatzel well in her future endeavors," Medley said in a prepared statement.

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Medley declined to give specific details about what prompted the resignation. But she resisted saying the relationship soured.

Gerry Bradley *(Photo courtesy of the University of Cincinnati)*

"We were very pleased with how things had gone with the legislature, with some of the programs that were being initiated," Medley said. "But, 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."

Medley also said a broader search for a new president wasn't required under Kentucky law.

The exit is described as "mutual" in a term sheet made public Wednesday evening. Under the agreement, Schatzel will receive $400,000 plus unspecified deferred compensation over the next month.

She also will receive $300,000 in monthly installments starting April 15. The term sheet also includes a "mutual non-disparagement clause."

Her annual base salary was $925,000.

The trustees' meeting came a day after Schatzel told a WDRB reporter in a brief telephone interview she couldn't comment on her job status when asked directly if she still was the president of U of L.

Schatzel, a former president of Towson University in suburban Baltimore, succeeded Neeli Bendapudi, who led the university from 2018-21 before leaving for the top post at Penn State University.

Bradley had accepted a high-ranking job at the University of Cincinnati but rescinded his acceptance of the offer Tuesday, according to UC President Neville Pinto -- himself a former U of L interim president.

Bradley served in his previous role at U of L since February 2024 and was interim provost from January 2022 to February 2023, and from July 2023 to February 2024. With his appointment Tuesday, Bradley becomes the university's 20th president.

“We have full confidence in President Bradley and his vision for the university,” Medley said in the statement. “U of L'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.”

In his own statement, Bradley said "my heart is at the University of Louisville.”

“We have a team in place that can take this university to greater heights," he said. "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.”

Trustees gave Schatzel solid marks in her first job review last summer. Medley described Schatzel's work as a "strong performance" since her appointment, according to official minutes of the July 25, 2024, annual board meeting.

"There have been significant achievements over the past year such as providing stability of leadership, success with the legislative funding allocations, the reorganization of the administrative and leadership team, and her decisive approach to decision-making," the minutes said. "The chair noted that the trustees are pleased with her performance and look forward to her continued service as president of the university."

WDRB has filed an open records request with U of L for Schatzel's resignation letter; personnel file, her performance evaluation; and any letters of reprimand, among other documents.

Schatzel had been active as the face of the university in recent weeks. In her annual address to the U of L community in February, she cited "record-breaking" enrollment and historic levels of student retention, along with other achievements in research, state funding and community involvement, according to the school's online recap.

"I am so proud of all that is happening right now at the University of Louisville, and I hope that all of you are as well," she said in her address. "Do we have major momentum? In one word from my perspective, 'Heck yes!' I think that you will agree that there is no better time to be a Cardinal."

Earlier this month, Schatzel was the guest of U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Kentucky, at President Donald J. Trump's state of the union address. In a news released provided by U of L prior to the speech, McGarvey called Schatzel "a true champion of public education and public health."

For her part, Schatzel said she was "pleased to represent U of L and showcase the critical role the university plays in fostering research, education and patient care, along with highlighting the profound impact federal policy and funding have on higher education."

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who appoints the U of L board, said during a stop in Louisville Wednesday that he’s watching the situation and will comment if any action is taken. He had not commented as of 8 p.m. Wednesday.

This story may be updated.

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