By Kara Beth Poe

University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley addressed financial challenges, enrollment and employee compensation during a town hall meeting at the U of L Health Sciences Campus on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Bradley began the meeting by discussing enrollment, stating that U of L is expected to set another enrollment record this upcoming year. Despite this, the university did not meet either its enrollment or retention goals for 2026.

The final enrollment numbers are expected during the first week of October, Bradley said, as the university is currently accounting for dual-credit students.

He then explained that, although enrollment records are improving, there have been many concerns about financial restraints. The university continues to face financial challenges due to what he said were “costs rising faster than revenue.”

“Unfortunately, last year, we finished with a negative margin of $11 million,” Bradley said. “That has been happening for the last couple years. Our margins have been getting smaller and smaller.”

Financial challenges have also affected discussions surrounding employee compensation and pay compression.

Bradley said compensation and pay compression remain priorities for the university, but decisions about future compensation will depend on the spring budget meetings and process.

“We’ve got the compensation priorities. That came back loud and clear,” said Bradley. “Everybody’s concerned about the compression, and they’re concerned that we’re losing our competitive edge.”

Ronald Gregg, chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, asked Bradley about delays in replacing faculty members who are retiring. He claimed the process for filling two particular positions had started in February, and that they had still not received approval to be advertised.

Bradley acknowledged that the process had taken too long and said he would follow up with the Provost Kathryn Cardarelli about the delay.

On the topic of health care, Bradley addressed U of L’s decision to remove GLP-1 coverage due to rising costs. He stated certain medications for diabetes and heart-related conditions will still be covered and said the university is also working to help employees find lower-cost options for the medications.

The university’s stance on artificial intelligence was also questioned. Bradley said U of L’s AI contract with Google is approximately $165,000. He told audience members he is hopeful AI will be used as a tool to save employees time.

“I think AI is a tool,” said Bradley. “It’s like anything. It can be used to help us, and it can certainly be used inappropriately.”

Bradley then announced the university had received $8 million grant for precision medicine and also said planning for Innovation Park is moving forward.

Finally, he addressed the university’s search for a permanent ULPD chief. Bradley said the search has reached the semifinalist stage and finalists are expected to visit campus in October.

The town hall ended with Bradley emphasizing the university’s plan to address its financial challenges while continuing to focus on budget, compensation and research.

Feature Photo by Vinny Porco / The Louisville Cardinal