Wisconsin Regents to Vote on Firing University System President

Jay Rothman refused to resign without explanation from the board

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a university administration building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of uncertainty and transition surrounding the leadership of the Wisconsin university system.The potential firing of the UW system president casts a somber shadow over the future of the state's public universities.Madison Today

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has scheduled a vote to consider firing the system's president, Jay Rothman, who refused their offer to quietly resign without an explanation for the surprise ouster. Rothman, who has been president since 2022, said in letters to the board that he would not resign without being told what he had done wrong. The board says this is a time of 'profound change' in higher education and the decision is about the future, but Rothman's tenure has been marked by efforts to increase state funding, debates over free speech, and declining enrollment.

Why it matters

The potential firing of the UW system president comes at a pivotal time, with the flagship Madison campus also losing its chancellor and a new governor set to appoint a new board of regents next year. The lack of transparency around Rothman's potential ouster has drawn criticism from state lawmakers, raising questions about the decision-making process and the future direction of the university system.

The details

The Board of Regents scheduled a vote for Tuesday to consider terminating Rothman's contract. Rothman has refused to resign without an explanation, saying in letters that he has not been told what he has done wrong. Board President Amy Bogost said the board has engaged in 'good-faith discussions' with Rothman over several months, but the sudden nature of the potential firing has surprised university and state officials. Rothman's tenure has included efforts to increase state funding, debates over free speech on campus, and declining enrollment leading to campus closures.

  • The Board of Regents scheduled the termination vote for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Rothman has been president of the UW system since 2022.

The players

Jay Rothman

The president of the Universities of Wisconsin system since 2022, who has refused to resign without an explanation from the Board of Regents.

Amy Bogost

The president of the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, who said the board has engaged in 'good-faith discussions' with Rothman over several months.

David Murphy

The Republican chair of the Wisconsin Assembly's colleges and universities committee, who criticized the lack of transparency around Rothman's potential ouster.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, who is not seeking a third term, meaning a new governor will have the power to appoint a new board of regents next year.

Jennifer Mnookin

The chancellor of the flagship Madison campus, who is leaving at the end of the current academic year to become president of Columbia University.

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What they’re saying

“This lack of transparency is unacceptable. President Rothman deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership.”

— David Murphy, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly's colleges and universities committee

“The Universities of Wisconsin must be led with a clear vision that both protects and strengthens our flagship, support our comprehensive universities and ensures we are meeting the evolving needs of our students, workforce and communities across all 72 counties.”

— Amy Bogost, President, Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents

“It's their call.”

— Tony Evers

What’s next

The Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on whether to fire Jay Rothman as president of the Universities of Wisconsin system at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The potential ouster of the UW system president amid a leadership transition at the flagship Madison campus and the looming change in the board of regents appointees raises questions about the future direction of the state's public university system and the transparency of the decision-making process.