Louisville, Kentucky, December 3, 2025
The University of Louisville has appointed Dr. Kathryn Cardarelli as its new executive vice president and university provost, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. Dr. Cardarelli has been serving as the interim provost, overseeing significant academic initiatives and enhancing student success. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles at the University of Kentucky, and she is expected to play a key role in the university’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
Louisville, Kentucky – University of Louisville Appoints Kathryn Cardarelli as Provost
Louisville, Kentucky – The University of Louisville has appointed Dr. Kathryn “Katie” Cardarelli as its new executive vice president and university provost, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. This announcement was made on December 2, 2025, by President Gerry Bradley.
Appointment Details
Dr. Cardarelli, a professor of epidemiology and population health, joined the University of Louisville in April 2024 as the dean of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences. In March 2025, she was appointed interim university provost, overseeing academic affairs and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to shape the university’s curricula. Her appointment as provost is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
Leadership and Initiatives
As interim provost, Dr. Cardarelli has been instrumental in several key initiatives, including:
- Developing the university’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
- Establishing the Navigating Teaching Challenges program to support educators through legislative and policy changes.
- Creating the Student Success Task Force to enhance student retention and success.
Background and Experience
Before joining the University of Louisville, Dr. Cardarelli spent a decade at the University of Kentucky, where she held various positions, including senior associate provost for administration and academic affairs, assistant provost, and senior assistant provost for faculty affairs. Her research focuses on community-engaged approaches to reducing chronic diseases in both rural and urban settings. She has served as the principal investigator on over $14 million in grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Educational Background
Dr. Cardarelli earned her Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She completed her doctorate in epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and participated in the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine fellowship at Drexel University.
University Leadership Changes
The appointment of Dr. Cardarelli follows the resignation of President Kim Schatzel on March 26, 2025. Dr. Gerry Bradley, formerly the executive vice president and university provost, was appointed as the 20th president of the University of Louisville, effective immediately.
Strategic Plan and Future Goals
The University of Louisville is in the process of developing its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, with Dr. Cardarelli playing a pivotal role in its creation. This plan aims to enhance student success, improve retention rates, and strengthen the university’s position as a leader in research and community engagement.
Conclusion
The University of Louisville’s selection of Dr. Kathryn Cardarelli as provost underscores its commitment to academic excellence and strategic growth. Her extensive experience and leadership in higher education are expected to drive the university’s initiatives forward, fostering an environment of success for students, faculty, and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dr. Kathryn “Katie” Cardarelli?
Dr. Kathryn “Katie” Cardarelli is a professor of epidemiology and population health who joined the University of Louisville in April 2024 as the dean of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences. In March 2025, she was appointed interim university provost, overseeing academic affairs and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to shape the university’s curricula. Her appointment as provost is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
What initiatives has Dr. Cardarelli been involved in at the University of Louisville?
As interim provost, Dr. Cardarelli has been instrumental in several key initiatives, including developing the university’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, establishing the Navigating Teaching Challenges program to support educators through legislative and policy changes, and creating the Student Success Task Force to enhance student retention and success.
What is Dr. Cardarelli’s background and experience?
Before joining the University of Louisville, Dr. Cardarelli spent a decade at the University of Kentucky, where she held various positions, including senior associate provost for administration and academic affairs, assistant provost, and senior assistant provost for faculty affairs. Her research focuses on community-engaged approaches to reducing chronic diseases in both rural and urban settings. She has served as the principal investigator on over $14 million in grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is the University of Louisville’s current strategic plan?
The University of Louisville is in the process of developing its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, with Dr. Cardarelli playing a pivotal role in its creation. This plan aims to enhance student success, improve retention rates, and strengthen the university’s position as a leader in research and community engagement.
Key Features of the Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Executive Vice President and University Provost (pending Board approval) |
| Previous Role | Dean of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences at the University of Louisville |
| Initiatives Led | Development of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, Navigating Teaching Challenges program, Student Success Task Force |
| Previous Experience | Senior Associate Provost for Administration and Academic Affairs at the University of Kentucky |
| Research Focus | Community-engaged approaches to reducing chronic diseases in rural and urban communities |
| Grant Funding | Over $14 million from the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other organizations |
| Educational Background | Master of Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center; Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston |
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