Jim Ramsey is going over some notes with his administrative assistant in the University of Louisville Foundation offices Friday morning when they are interrupted by the messenger.

Back at work before heading off for some R&R.
Back at work before heading off for some R&R.

“Have you heard the news yet?”

“I haven’t heard anything,” says Ramsey. “You mean about the court?”

“The judge has issued the injunction …”

A smile crosses Ramsey’s face, followed by spontaneous laughter. “So this board is prohibited from doing anything?”

That’s exactly what it means, the decision by Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd granting an injunction to Attorney General Andrew Beshear. The decision places Gov. Matt Bevin’s order restructuring the UofL Board of Trustees in legal limbo.

“Are you kidding me?” says Ramsey. “I know the judge and I am not surprised. This board was in a hurry to meet before the judge acted.”

Whether Ramsey’s resignation as President to the new board is final is anyone’s guess. The only thing certain is that there will be further judicial proceedings before anything is settled.

And, believe it or not, Ramsey actually had seven days from the day he signed the agreement to change his mind and rescind the agreement if he so chose.

If the courts declared Bevin’s order null and void, he could face the possibility of going back to work for the old board. Not likely that he would want to resign twice, or give some of the original trustees the satisfaction of seeing that happen.

Since his “resignation” on Wednesday, Ramsey has turned his full attention to the University of Louisville Foundation.  He intends to retain his position as ULF President, continuing to raise funds in support of the University.

For the time being, however, he intends to get some rest and relaxation. He and Jane Ramsey are heading out this weekend with the family for seven days at a resort in North Carolina.

“It will be good to get away for a few days,” he says in the understatement of the week.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

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