UW System Regents Consider Firing President Rothman

Closed-door meeting scheduled to review Rothman's leadership amid declining enrollment and political tensions

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A dimly lit, empty university lecture hall with rows of wooden desks and chairs, the space filled with warm, golden light streaming in through tall windows, creating deep shadows and a sense of quiet contemplation.The closed-door meeting of the UW System Board of Regents raises questions about the future leadership and direction of the state's public university system.Madison Today

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has scheduled a closed-door meeting to consider firing system president Jay Rothman, who has served in the role for just over four years. The regents have not provided a clear reason for the potential termination, though they have cited performance concerns and the need for 'a clear vision' for the 165,000-student system.

Why it matters

Rothman's potential ouster comes amid broader political tensions surrounding the UW System, including battles over free speech, diversity initiatives, and funding from the Republican-controlled state legislature. The move also follows the recent announcement that UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will be leaving the flagship campus to take a new role at Columbia University.

The details

The regents announced the 6 p.m. EDT meeting on Tuesday to consider firing Rothman, who previously served as chair and CEO of the Foley & Lardner law firm and had no prior experience in higher education administration. Regent President Amy Bogost said the board has provided Rothman with 'direct conversations and clear feedback regarding leadership expectations,' but did not elaborate on the specific issues. Rothman has said he will not resign voluntarily without knowing what he did wrong.

  • The regents announced the meeting on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The meeting to consider firing Rothman is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Jay Rothman

President of the University of Wisconsin System, serving since January 2022. Rothman previously worked as chair and CEO of the Foley & Lardner law firm and had no prior experience in higher education administration.

Amy Bogost

President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents.

David Murphy

Republican state Representative and chair of the Wisconsin Assembly's colleges and universities committee.

Tony Evers

Democratic Governor of Wisconsin.

Jennifer Mnookin

Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who is leaving the role in May 2026 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 Colleges and Universities Committee

“It's their call.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

The Board of Regents will hold a closed-door meeting on Tuesday evening to consider firing President Jay Rothman. If Rothman is terminated, he would be entitled to six months' notice under the terms of his contract.

The takeaway

The potential ouster of UW System President Jay Rothman highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the state's public university system, including battles over issues like free speech, diversity initiatives, and funding from the Republican-controlled legislature. Rothman's lack of prior higher education experience may have also contributed to the regents' concerns about his leadership.