Wisconsin Assembly to Demand Regents Explain Firing of UW System President

Lawmakers call for transparency after Regents dismiss Jay Rothman without clear reasons

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:48am

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a university administration building, its windows and facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease about the institution's future.The sudden dismissal of the UW System president raises questions about the political forces at play in Wisconsin's public universities.Hortonville Today

The Wisconsin state Assembly will hold a public hearing to compel members of the Board of Regents, who were largely appointed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers, to explain why they fired UW System President Jay Rothman without providing clear reasons. Rothman was praised for his bipartisan leadership and efforts to address enrollment declines and financial challenges, leading some lawmakers to suspect his dismissal may be politically motivated.

Why it matters

The firing of Rothman, a rare bipartisan figure in the UW System, has raised concerns about potential political interference in the state's public universities. Lawmakers argue the Regents owe the public an explanation for their decision, which they say risks further damaging the reputation and stability of the UW System.

The details

The Board of Regents, led by President Amy Bogost, offered only vague explanations for Rothman's dismissal, stating they had 'lost confidence' in his ability to lead the UW System moving forward, despite praising his accomplishments. State Representative Dave Murphy, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, announced the upcoming public hearing to 'examine recent reports' and demand the Regents testify and explain their reasons for pursuing Rothman's removal. Senator Rob Hutton, chairman of the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue, criticized the Regents for being 'distracted by politics' and called on Governor Evers to hold them accountable.

  • The Wisconsin state Assembly will hold a public hearing in the coming weeks.
  • The Board of Regents fired UW System President Jay Rothman on Tuesday.

The players

Jay Rothman

The former president of the University of Wisconsin System, who was praised for his bipartisan leadership and efforts to address enrollment and financial challenges.

Amy Bogost

The president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, who offered vague explanations for Rothman's dismissal.

Dave Murphy

The Republican chairman of the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, who announced the upcoming public hearing to demand the Regents explain Rothman's firing.

Rob Hutton

The Republican chairman of the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue, who criticized the Regents for being 'distracted by politics' and called on Governor Evers to hold them accountable.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, who appointed 16 of the 18 members of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

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What they’re saying

“The Regents owe the Wisconsin citizens, employers, and students who rely on a strong, stable UW System an explanation for why they chose to throw the System into turmoil.”

— Rob Hutton, Chairman, Wisconsin Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue

“President Rothman deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership. At the hearing, members of the Board of Regents will be called to testify and explain their reasons for pursuing his removal.”

— Dave Murphy, Chairman, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities

What’s next

The Wisconsin state Assembly will hold a public hearing in the coming weeks to demand the Board of Regents explain their reasons for firing UW System President Jay Rothman.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Jay Rothman, a bipartisan leader who worked to address challenges facing the UW System, has raised concerns about potential political interference in the state's public universities. Lawmakers are calling for transparency from the Regents to restore public trust in the system.