University of Louisville names new provost

University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel has announced the hiring of Gerry Bradley, BDS, MS, Dr.Med.Dent., as executive vice president and university provost. His appointment, effective immediately, was approved Wednesday, Feb. 7, by the UofL Board of Trustees.

[caption id="attachment_60039" align="alignright" width="200"] Gerry Bradley, BDS, MS, Dr.Med.Dent., has been named UofL's executive vice president and university provost.[/caption]

Bradley, dean of the UofL School of Dentistry since 2016, has served as interim provost since July 2023. He previously held that same role from January 2022 to February 2023.

“Dr. Bradley has been outstanding as interim provost, both during this past year and in his previous tenure,” Schatzel said. “During this process, I consulted administrative colleagues and others who have worked with him both as dean and as interim provost. Most important, I sought feedback from our Faculty Senate Executive Committee. All acknowledged his strong work as interim provost and supported the appointment.”

Bradley brings a wealth of experience and a record of accomplishment in his roles as dean of the School of Dentistry and, more recently, as interim provost. Since coming to UofL in 2016, he has played a key role in many important initiatives at the university, including co-chairing the Executive Budget Steering Committee and helping recruit several outstanding new deans, including recent hires Dayna Touron, College of Arts and Sciences, and John Miller, Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, as well as Kathryn Cardarelli, who will join the School of Public Health and Information Sciences later this semester.

His priorities include student success, standardizing advising and introducing a strategic undergraduate success plan to dramatically improve retention. Under his leadership, the university announced the expansion of its Border Benefit Award that allows students from some neighboring states to attend UofL at in-state tuition rates. Additionally, UofL announced it is investing $2.4 million toward the' Cardinal Commitment Grant for in-state residents in 2024, which will increase to over $8 million in the next four years.

As dean of the School of Dentistry he stabilized and enhanced its financial position, opened several dental clinics throughout the commonwealth that provide students more educational opportunities and provide access and equitable health care to diverse populations.

Before coming to UofL, he was chair and professor of developmental sciences at Marquette University School of Dentistry, where he also served as the associate dean for research and graduate studies. He previously served as the program director of the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics at Marquette and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Bradley also had an orthodontic practice during his time in Wisconsin.

Bradley received his dental degree in Cork, Ireland, his orthodontic specialty training at The Ohio State University, and a doctorate in dentistry at the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Bradley has published extensively, producing more than 50 publications, including book chapters, journal publications, and presentations. His work has been focused on biomaterials and the testing of materials that are commonly used in orthodontic practice. He has had experience in clinical trials that involved testing the mechanical properties, patient perceptions, and biocompatibility.

Bradley is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Dental Education Association and the International Association for Dental Research. He also is an affiliate member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontics.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the Cardinal community,” Bradley said. “I want to thank President Schatzel, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees for their faith in me. I am committed to serving the needs of our students, faculty, and staff so that we continue the UofL mission, transforming lives, making new discoveries and supporting our communities and the commonwealth”

“I know you will join me in thanking Dr. Bradley for his leadership and congratulating him on his appointment to this vital role,” Schatzel said.