Wisconsin Universities Board to Vote on Firing System President

Jay Rothman refused to resign without explanation, leading to surprise ouster vote

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, nostalgic painting of a university administration building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the challenges facing public higher education.The sudden ouster of the UW system president reflects the complex political and financial pressures facing public higher education.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 request for him to quietly resign without explanation. Rothman, who has led the 165,000-student system since 2022, said 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 system's 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 sudden and opaque nature of the board's move to oust Rothman has drawn criticism over the lack of transparency, with a key state legislator saying Rothman 'deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership.' The decision also comes as the flagship Madison campus is losing its chancellor, adding further upheaval to the UW system's leadership.

The details

The Board of Regents says Rothman 'was not without notice, nor was this process sudden,' and that they have engaged in 'good-faith discussions' with him over the past several months. However, Rothman's letters were the first public indication that his job was in jeopardy. Under his contract, Rothman can be fired for no stated reason and has no appeal rights, though he would be entitled to six months' notice. Rothman has had to navigate negotiations with a Republican-controlled legislature and a board with a majority of appointees from the Democratic governor, who is not seeking re-election.

  • The Board of Regents scheduled the termination vote for 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 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 being given an explanation for the board's desire to oust him.

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 the past several months.

David Murphy

The Republican state representative who chairs the Wisconsin Assembly's colleges and universities committee, and has criticized the lack of transparency in the board's move to oust Rothman.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, who is not seeking a third term, meaning the next governor will have the power to make appointments to the Board of Regents.

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.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

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 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The sudden and opaque nature of the Board of Regents' move to oust Rothman has raised concerns about transparency and the future leadership of the UW system, which is also facing the departure of the Madison campus chancellor. The decision reflects the complex political dynamics Rothman has had to navigate during his tenure, as well as the broader challenges facing higher education.