Universities of Wisconsin Leaders Seek to Oust System President

Jay Rothman, who has led the 25-campus system since 2022, refuses to resign despite being told to do so.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:03pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a university administration building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood that reflects the uncertainty surrounding the system's leadership.The uncertain future of the University of Wisconsin system's leadership casts a long shadow over the state's public higher education landscape.Madison Today

The president of the Universities of Wisconsin system, Jay Rothman, has been told by the Board of Regents to either resign or be fired, but he has been given no reason for the board's lack of confidence in his leadership and is refusing to step down from the 165,000-student system.

Why it matters

Rothman's ouster would mark a significant leadership change for the UW system, which has faced challenges under his tenure including debates over free speech on campus, declining enrollment leading to campus closures, and negotiations with the state legislature over diversity initiatives.

The details

In letters obtained by the Associated Press, Rothman said he has been told by the Board of Regents that his options are to resign or retire, and that if he doesn't, the board 'was prepared to terminate my employment.' However, Rothman said he has not been provided any substantive reason for the board's lack of confidence in his leadership, and as a matter of principle, he is not prepared to submit his resignation.

  • Rothman has served as president of the UW system since 2022.
  • The Board of Regents held a closed emergency meeting on Wednesday night to discuss personnel matters.
  • Rothman said he was told on Tuesday that if he didn't resign, the board was prepared to meet this weekend to fire him.

The players

Jay Rothman

The president of the 25-campus Universities of Wisconsin system since 2022, who is refusing to resign despite being told to do so by the Board of Regents.

Amy Bogost

The president of the Board of Regents, who said the board is 'responsible for the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and is having discussions about its future.'

Jennifer Mnookin

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

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What they’re saying

“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 of Regents President

“I believe my letter speaks for itself.”

— Jay Rothman

“I find this process to be nearly (if not completely) indefensible.”

— Jay Rothman

What’s next

The Board of Regents is expected to meet this weekend to potentially vote on firing Rothman if he does not resign.

The takeaway

The potential ouster of Jay Rothman as president of the Universities of Wisconsin system highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges facing public higher education, including debates over free speech, enrollment declines, and negotiations with state lawmakers.