President Gerry Bradley
Gerry Bradley on his presidential inauguration day, Oct. 10, 2025.

The University of Louisville Board of Trustees has completed its annual evaluation of President Gerry Bradley for the 2025–2026 fiscal year and affirmed its confidence in his leadership of the university. Board leaders described the process as the most comprehensive presidential evaluation in UofL’s history. 

It combined the board’s formal evaluation with a university-wide 360-degree leadership assessment that invited feedback from more than 1,400 members of the campus community — including trustees, senior leadership and a broad sample of faculty and staff — plus individual 360 evaluations of six cabinet members.

“President Bradley has provided steady, decisive leadership during a demanding period for the university,” said Board Chair Larry Benz. “The board has full confidence in his direction. In his first full year he delivered record first-year student retention, advanced the university’s 2026–2030 strategic plan, strengthened the institution’s finances and elevated Louisville’s national standing — including a 37-position rise in the national rankings over two years. We are united behind his leadership as we move into year two.” 

The board noted the president’s priorities for the year ahead, including continued gains in student success, execution of the strategic plan, expanded philanthropy in advance of a comprehensive campaign, financial sustainability across the enterprise, and continued work to strengthen campus culture, communication and shared governance.

“I am honored to serve this university and grateful for a supportive and engaged board,” President Bradley said. “There is real momentum here, and my focus in the year ahead is to keep building trust across our campuses while we deliver for our students and the commonwealth.” 

The board expressed appreciation to the faculty, staff and trustees who participated in the evaluation.