UofL honors former Provost Carol Garrison

LOUISVILLE, Ky.–The University of Louisville added a portrait of Carol Garrison to its Hall of Provosts in a ceremony today in Grawemeyer Hall.

Garrison, UofL’s provost from 1997 to 2002, is credited with growing the school’s Honors Program, increasing the number of faculty advisors, enhancing students’ on-campus experience and driving improvements to UofL’s technology infrastructure.

“Carol also worked behind the scenes to help pass and implement one of the most important pieces of legislation in Kentucky history, the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997,” said UofL President James Ramsey. “She also set the stage for the amazing trajectory our institution is enjoying by appointing Shirley Willihnganz as interim provost to succeed her.”

Before leaving UofL, Garrison served as acting president after John Shumaker’s departure for the University of Tennessee. She became a university president herself in 2002, returning to her alma mater, the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While there, she partnered with and befriended the provost and now University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto, who also spoke at the portrait unveiling.

Garrison’s portrait, painted by award-winning artist John Michael Carter, hangs near the painting of current UofL Provost Shirley Willinghanz on the lower level of Grawemeyer Hall.

“It is a privilege to return to the University of Louisville and witness first-hand the phenomenal progress and growth that has occurred on every front over the past 11 years,” Garrison said. “That progress and growth is the product of visionary current leadership, creative and dedicated faculty, hardworking staff, talented students and an engaged and supportive community. I was honored to be a part of it, and I’m truly humbled by this honor.”

Garrison stepped down as UAB president in 2012. She still lives in Alabama and is president emerita and a professor in the university’s epidemiology department.