Dr. Neeli Bendapudi announced as University of Louisville’s 18th President

After 615 days without a permanent President in place to lead the University of Louisville, today that number went back to zero after the school’s new President was announced. 

After interviewing and reviewing over 45 candidates, the University of Louisville announced today that Neeli Bendapudi,Ph.D, would be the schools 18th President.

Dr. Bendapudi comes to Louisville after serving as the Provost, Executive Vice Chancellor and Marketing professor at Kansas University, where she has been since 2011.

During the press conference to make the hire official to the public Bendapudi told the media,

"“I am deeply honored and truly excited to join the Cardinal family. I have seen the great spirit and graciousness of this community on bold display throughout the search process, and Venkat (Bendapudi) and I are truly excited to call Louisville home. I am looking forward to working with our students, staff, faculty, alumni and community — as one.”"

Louisville’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, David Grissom told the media in attendance,

"“We conducted a thorough search for a dynamic, proven leader who would help re energize the university and serve as a strong, visible advocate not only for UofL and our students, faculty, staff and alumni, but for the City of Louisville and for higher education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We found that person in Dr. Bendapudi. Her academic credentials are impressive, her leadership skills are outstanding, and her enthusiasm is both undeniable and contagious.”"

This is the schools third significant hire in the last week and a half. On Monday of last week Vince Tyra was announced as the permanent Athletic Director. Just two days later Vince Tyra and Interim President Greg Postel announced that Chris Mack would be the new Men’s Basketball Head Coach.

Dr. Neeli Bendapudi’s expected start date is May 15th.

Next: Ray Spalding headed to the NBA

Anyone who throw’s up the double L’s at their introductory press conference is a winner in our books. Welcome aboard Dr. Neeli Bendapudi!