This year, we didn’t just move forward; we soared. It’s been a year defined by bold innovation, unwavering commitment and a shared vision for excellence. From expanding opportunities for future physicians to pioneering research that changes lives, every milestone reflects the power of collaboration and the heart of our mission: to learn, discover, connect and work for a healthier world.  

LEARN 

Our students are the heartbeat of this institution, and their success drives everything we do. In 2025, we welcomed our largest incoming class yet, increasing medical student enrollment from 165 to 175 and expanded graduate programs to meet the needs of a changing health care landscape. We launched new interdisciplinary degrees, including an MD/MPH and MS in Nanomedicine, and integrated Artificial Intelligence into our curriculum, ensuring our learners are prepared for the future of medicine. 

We also deepened our commitment to student well-being. We added an onsite medical school counselor, expanded tutoring and learning specialist support, strengthened mentorship through new surveys to better align students and faculty and increased wellness efforts during high-stress periods like Step 1 prep. Graduate Medical Education expanded ombuds services, community-building efforts and counseling partnerships through the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS). These efforts paid off, too: more of our graduates are choosing to stay and serve in Louisville, strengthening the health and vitality of our community.  

DISCOVER 

This year also marked a turning point for research at UofL. With a transformative $24.5 million NIH grant, we launched the Louisville Clinical Translational Research Center – an investment that will accelerate breakthroughs and improve patient care across Kentucky and beyond. We expanded Bluegrass Biodesign to eight teams to foster medical device innovation, grew our commercialization pipeline through LaunchIt and I-Corps and established the Kentucky Center for Digital Innovation, positioning UofL as a leader in AI-driven clinical trials.  

Our researchers continue to shape the future of medicine, tackling challenges in cardiometabolic health, environmental health, spinal cord injury and more. Through the CTR-D grant, we awarded six pilot awards, two developmental awards, two Presidential Scholars and two Dean’s Scholars, empowering our faculty and learners to launch bold, new projects that will change lives.  

We additionally obtained renewal of an impactful $11.5 million dollar COBRE grant strengthening our pioneering efforts in Immuno-oncology that has made UofL a leader in targeted and cellular therapeutic approaches that are having significant impact on cancer morbidity and mortality. 

CONNECT 

Our impact is only as powerful as the community surrounding us. This year we strengthened partnerships with more than 100 community organizations and deepened engagement across Kentucky through the Louisville CTR-D Community Engagement and Outreach Core. We expanded alumni involvement through the 1837 society, which now supports students through financial aid, technology resources and enhanced learning opportunities. 

We also celebrated the renewal of our AHEC pipeline, reinforcing our commitment to preparing and diversifying the health care workforce across the commonwealth. And, with a 50% increase in School of Medicine storytelling and major improvements to our digital presence, including oursoon to launch optimized website, we amplified the achievements of our faculty, staff and learners like never before.  

We also saw major improvements in our HSC campus neighborhood, through our work with our partners in LOUMED (Louisville Medical and Educational District) with the opening of the LOUMED Commons on Chestnut Street that helps bring an outdoor park, greenspace and event space to our downtown campus. More to come on LOUMED and HSC campus improvements in 2026! 

WORK 

At the heart of our achievements is our people – the ones who are committed to helping each other grow. In 2025, we launched leadership development efforts across faculty, staff and trainees; enhanced onboarding through a standardized faculty onboarding process; and expanded professional development seminars through S.M.A.R.T. Staff programming. We also introduced RISE 360, a new orientation module designed to support faculty promotion pathways and long-term success. These initiatives ensure that our people – our greatest asset – have the tools and support they need to thrive.  

This year, we also celebrated excellence across the School of Medicine with our growing slate of Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards, honoring individuals whose leadership, scholarship and service embody our highest ideals. 

As I reflect on our extraordinary year, I am filled with gratitude for our students who inspire us daily and represent the promise of a bright future, for our faculty and staff whose dedication fuels our progress and is at the heart of our innovation, and for our partners and alumni who believe in our mission. Together, we have built more than programs and partnerships; we have built hope, opportunity, new knowledge, new therapies, new approaches and a future where health and healing are boundless. 

I’m grateful for each of you and your role in this journey. The impact we’ve made in 2025 is just the beginning and significantly launches us forward for great impact in the years to come!