Universities of Wisconsin President Refuses to Resign After Being Told to Step Down

Jay Rothman says he's been given no reason for the Board of Regents' lack of confidence in his leadership.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:18pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a university campus, with students walking through a hazy, out-of-focus scene bathed in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of transition and uncertainty.The leadership transition at the Universities of Wisconsin system has raised questions about transparency and the future direction of the state's public higher education.Madison Today

The president of the 25-campus Universities of Wisconsin system, Jay Rothman, has refused to resign or retire despite being told by the Board of Regents that he must do so or be fired. Rothman, who has led the 165,000-student system since 2022, said in a letter that he has not been provided any substantive reasons for the board's apparent lack of confidence in his leadership.

Why it matters

Rothman's ouster would mark a significant leadership change for the UW system, which has faced challenges such as declining enrollment and debates over free speech on campus during his tenure. The circumstances around his potential removal have raised questions about transparency and governance within the university system.

The details

In the letter obtained by the Associated Press, Rothman said he was told by the Board of Regents president that he must either resign or retire, and that if he did not, the board 'was prepared to terminate my employment.' Rothman said he has not been given any reasons for the board's apparent lack of confidence in his leadership. The Board of Regents held a closed emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss personnel matters, but did not provide specifics.

  • Rothman became president of the UW system in 2022.
  • The Board of Regents held a closed emergency meeting on March 29, 2026 to discuss Rothman's future.

The players

Jay Rothman

The president of the 25-campus Universities of Wisconsin system since 2022. Rothman has refused to resign or retire despite being told to do so by the Board of Regents.

Amy Bogost

The president of the Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin.

Jennifer Mnookin

The chancellor of the flagship Madison campus, who is leaving to become president of Columbia University.

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What they’re saying

“Since to date you have not provided any substantive reason or reasons for the Board's finding of no confidence in my leadership, I am not prepared, as a matter of principle, to submit my resignation.”

— Jay Rothman, President, Universities of Wisconsin

“The Board is responsible for the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and is having discussions about its future. We don't comment on personnel matters.”

— Amy Bogost, Board President, Universities of Wisconsin

What’s next

The Board of Regents will likely continue discussions about Rothman's future leadership of the UW system. If they move to terminate his employment, Rothman has indicated he will not step down voluntarily.

The takeaway

The circumstances surrounding the potential ouster of the UW system president have raised concerns about transparency and governance within the university. As the state's largest higher education system faces challenges like declining enrollment, the leadership transition will be closely watched.