What do we know about the UofL president’s resignation and provost’s promotion?
In the wake of University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel’s resignation last week, a central question has been swirling around the commonwealth: Why did she depart after just two years in the post?
Schatzel abruptly resigned from UofL’s top role on March 26 at a special board of trustees meeting. The university’s provost, Gerry Bradley, was announced as the next president effective immediately.
The resignation came suddenly and with no explanation from Schatzel or the board.
Schatzel has been the president of UofL since 2023 and signed a five-year contract at the time she was hired. Previously, she was the president of Towson University in Maryland.
The Herald-Leader requested Schatzel’s letter of resignation and additional information surrounding her resignation from the university on Monday, but has not yet received that information.
Louisville television station WDRB reported Schatzel’s exit was described as “mutual” in information from the board meeting. She will receive $400,000, plus unspecified deferred compensation over the next month.
Additionally, she will also receive $300,000 in monthly installments, beginning in April. Schatzel also signed a “mutual non-disparagement clause” upon her departure, WDRB said.
Schatzel’s base salary was $925,000, and her compensation package was eligible for review this month, according to her employment contract.
New president promoted without a national search
University administrators are typically hired through a national search, when schools cast a wide net to search for a new hire. Last week at a press conference, Gov. Andy Beshear said the university’s next president should be hired after a national search.
Bradley was announced as president at the same time Schatzel’s resignation was announced, without a national search.
“I think the former provost who is going into that job is a really good candidate, and would likely rise to the top of any search,” Beshear said.
“But I always believe that you should do a search. You may think that you have the very best person, but you do need to compare them to options. I think the board would tell you they were worried about stability, and I’m not suggesting that’s not a worry, but I always favor doing a search.”
As governor, Beshear appoints the majority public university’s board members, including at UofL. Beshear said he hadn’t been provided details about what led to Schatzel’s resignation, and was advised of her resignation about 24 hours before the board meeting.
“Certainly, Dr. Schatzel was always positive and professional with me, and I wish her the best, whatever her next location is,” Beshear said.
Provost was up for job at University of Cincinnati
Bradley has been the executive vice president and provost — the second-in-command over the university — since 2024, and was appointed to the same role on an interim basis twice since 2022, according to university officials.
He was previously the dean of the UofL School of Dentistry, beginning in 2016.
Several weeks ago, he was announced as the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of the University of Cincinnati, and was to begin in the role on June 1.
But last Tuesday — the day before Bradley was announced as the new president — UC President Neville Pinto shared that Bradley had withdrawn from the position and was “pursuing other opportunities.”
Stay tuned for more developments in this story as the Herald-Leader continues to dig into Schatzel’s departure.