LOUISVILLE, Ky. ― University of Louisville President James Ramsey’s status remained in limbo Wednesday when the embattled campus leader failed to immediately follow through on his pledge to offer his resignation to the school’s new governing board.
The reorganized board of trustees ― formed last month when Gov. Matt Bevin disbanded the former board amid turmoil over Ramsey ― met for the first time Wednesday. The meeting included a lengthy closed-door session to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation.
Ramsey left as the closed-door meeting continued and walked to his office. He didn’t return to the meeting and a university spokesman said he would not talk to reporters. When the doors reopened, grim-faced trustees ended the meeting soon after reconvening in open session.
Afterward, newly selected board Chairman Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman said Ramsey did not offer his resignation, nor did the board request it, at the meeting. Bridgeman said a decision on Ramsey’s status could be made as soon as August, when the board is scheduled to reconvene.
“Obviously, he’s already written a letter that he does not want to be here after a certain time,” said Bridgeman, a businessman and former UofL basketball standout. “He’s willing to do whatever the board asks him to do. So all those things were discussed with him. And so we’ll make a decision once we get more information, more knowledge on where we’re going as a board.”
Last month, Ramsey submitted a letter to Bevin saying he would immediately offer his resignation to the newly appointed board. Ramsey has led the university for 14 years.
Bevin attended the start of the board meeting Wednesday to thank the trustees he appointed for their service. He called it a “fresh start” for the university, but said it would require “”new leadership,” including in the school’s administration. Bevin left after his remarks and before the board took up mostly organizational and orientation matters in open session.
