Bradley University has officially stated that they know nothing about the property consolidation in the Arbor District and are not the owner or beneficiary of the properties that are held in a confidential land trust. Interim Bradley President Jon Michael (four days before the newly chosen James Shadid was to take over as President), Vice President of Student Affairs Nathan Thomas, and Vice President for Finance and Administration Betsy Hull all specifically stated that Bradley is not in any way part of the specified trusts: Tate Properties Land Trust, Two Brothers Land Trust, FMD Land Trust #1985. They also stated Bradley had “no plan to expand the campus” westward.

These high-ranking officials from Bradley University visited the West Bluff Council at the March 2025 meeting. They were coming to tell the West Bluff what they’re planning to do with the old Avanti’s property, just minutes before releasing the same information to the press. Since they were available to question, the opportunity was taken to ask them about another topic: if they were involved with the Arbor District property consolidation. They had not responded to multiple email inquiries on the question. Since their answer is that they are not involved, one wonders why they didn’t just respond to the question via email. However, their denial of involvement was recorded in the West Bluff Council minutes.

Good to hear they are not involved, assuming they’re telling the truth. Now we must wonder what the Tates’ plans are for the acquisition and confidential ownership of this consolidated property.