Getting to know President Bradley

President Gerry Bradley is leading Cardinal success through a new chapter in the university’s proud legacy. UofL faculty, students, staff, alumni and community members will celebrate together during Bradley’s formal installation as the 20^th president on Oct. 10 at L&N Stadium. UofL News recently caught up with President Bradley to learn lesser-known interesting facts about his life.

UofL News: You started your career in dentistry and later transitioned into university administration. What’s a skill from your first career that has been surprisingly helpful in your current role?

President Bradley: Dentists must quickly diagnose conditions on the spot and act decisively to treat the condition and eradicate the problem. I think that has helped in my ability to quickly get the best information, triage accordingly, decide a course of action and implement the action.  

UofL News: You’re originally from Ireland and have lived in Switzerland and various parts of the United States. What’s something about Louisville that has genuinely charmed you?

Bradley: The warmth of the people and the size of the city. It is so convenient to get around and it has all the attractions one would need to have in a city: great restaurants, performing arts, historical sites and museums, bourbon tours, a zoo, an orchestra and more.

UofL News: When you first moved to Louisville, running was something you enjoyed. Are you still a runner or is there another form of exercise you now appreciate?

Bradley: I’m still a runner and ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon in 2024. Typically, I run approximately 30 miles a week and love the opportunity to get out and enjoy the scenery, along with the relaxation it gives me. It sets me up for the day. I like to run early in the morning, and then I don’t have to worry about trying to fit it into my schedule later in the day.

UofL News: Leading a university is only part of who you are – for example, you also have five sons. How to do strike a good work-life balance?

Bradley: I don’t take my work home; I leave it all behind. I rarely will email in the evening, only if I must, particularly if it’s people who report to me. I want my home time to be my family time.

UofL News: It’s a busy job to serve as UofL’s president. If you unexpectedly had an hour of free time on campus, what might you be doing?

Bradley: Walking through campus seeing students – that’s what I really enjoy doing during the day. I try to have at least some walking meetings during the week.

UofL News: If you could trade places with any UofL student or professor for a day, what major or activity would you choose to experience?

Bradley: I’d do something fun that I have no skill or talent doing. So, for example, I like to listen to music, but I can’t sing or play an instrument. It would be so cool, though, to be able to do this for one day.

UofL News: College is full of firsts for many students. Maybe it’s their first time away from home. Their first big group project. Their first time doing laundry. What is a story from a “first” during your college days?

Bradley: The first time being put under pressure with a rigorous curriculum, and I was no longer able to take my studies for granted. During college, I also was selected as the class president for the first time.

UofL News: You’ve navigated different roles within UofL, from dean to provost to president. How do you know when it’s the right time to take on a new challenge? 

Bradley: You don’t always know, occasionally opportunities come your way. Keep doing well at the job you have and sometimes you are asked to take on new jobs and roles.

UofL News: What advice do you have for students as they set their sights on a future goal or career?

Bradley: Never give up doing what you love.