The University of Louisville celebrated a new era as Gerry Bradley was inaugurated as its 20th president during a ceremony at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Bradley isn’t new to U of L, having served there for nearly a decade. From his start as dean of the School of Dentistry in 2016 to his role as provost, university officials say Bradley’s leadership has strengthened the university’s foundation and its reach across the state.
Now at the helm of a $1.6 billion university and its $2.5 billion U of L Health system, Bradley said he 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,” he stated during his remarks. “Our task is not simply to preserve this legacy but to propel it boldly into the future. “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 along with a platform party of dignitaries. 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 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.”
Coleman, an ’08 alumna, congratulated Bradley on behalf of Gov. Andy Beshear’s Administration.
“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,” Coleman noted. “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.”
(Photo: New University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley, courtesy of Kentucky Today)
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
