LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Week one of Dr. Kim Schatzel’s tenure as the University of Louisville’s president is in the books. After her successful appointment from UofL’s board of trustees during a unanimous vote, she says she’s ready to move the campus forward.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Kim Schatzel is serving as UofL’s 19th president 

  • She’s the second woman in the school’s history to hold the title

  • Schatzel's goals for her tenure are a six-year graduation rate, expanded talent pool, better workforce development and supporting entrepreneurs and community engagement 

  • She has 20 years of corporate leadership under her belt and is a first-generation college student 

A first-generation college student, Schatzel is the 19th president in the school’s 225-year history. The New York native tells Spectrum News 1 she’s ready to move the campus forward as she gets to know her new city. One week into her new job as president, it’s clear she’s already settling into the community.

“My husband [Trevor] and I are foodies and so we love to eat out—and not fancy places. Just really good food!” said Schatzel.

But on the job, she’s focused on diversity, equity and inclusion—progress she previously made as president of Towson University. She also has her sights set on some new goals for UofL.

“One of the things that Towson provided that I know that we can mirror here is the six-year graduation rate. There’s a 72% 6-year graduation rate and there was no achievement gap between our Pell-eligible Black and Latinx students,” Schatzel said. “They graduated at the same rate as the overall population. I know that there is a deep commitment to be able to have the same outcome here.”

“I really look forward to expanding our impact as a talent pool provider for the commonwealth and for the city of Louisville. Workforce development is really important for me, and also supporting entrepreneurs in terms of their success,” said Dr. Schatzel.

Currently, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the national six-year graduation completion rate stands at 62.3%.

Dr. Schatzel comes to Louisville with 20 years of corporate leadership under her belt. And she’s the first person from her family to attend college.

“It’s a bit intimidating and you don’t want to embarrass yourself. Sometimes there’s that concern. But I just want to make sure that the students realize that this is really common,” Schatzel remarked. “I felt the same way when I stepped on a college campus. This imposter syndrome, as they call it… ‘do I really belong here?’ You do. You do belong at UofL.”

Dr. Schatzel hopes her tenure as president proves to students that if you can see it, you can believe it. 

This week will mark the beginning of her listening tour. For 60 days she’ll call on students, faculty, staff, alumni, business and community leaders and legislative leaders to put themselves in her shoes and ask questions to make their voice be heard about the campus impact or challenges. 

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