University of Wisconsin Board Votes to Fire System President

Lawmakers call firing a 'partisan hatchet job' after president refused to resign

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:21am

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting a university campus building in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of warm and cool colors, conveying a sense of political disruption and instability.The sudden dismissal of the UW system president reflects the political tensions surrounding higher education leadership in Wisconsin.Madison Today

The board that runs the University of Wisconsin system voted unanimously on Tuesday to fire the system's president, Jay Rothman, drawing criticism from Republican lawmakers who called it a 'partisan hatchet job'. Rothman had refused an offer from the board of regents to quietly resign, saying the board never gave a clear reason why he should. The firing comes after nearly four years of Rothman leading the 165,000-student, multi-campus system.

Why it matters

The firing of the UW system president highlights the ongoing tensions between the Republican-controlled state legislature and the Democratic governor-appointed board of regents. It raises questions about the political influences on higher education leadership and the ability of university presidents to navigate complex political landscapes.

The details

Rothman was asked by the board of regents to either resign or be fired, but he refused to leave voluntarily without knowing what he did wrong. The board cited a performance review with 'direct conversations and clear feedback regarding leadership expectations', but did not provide specifics. Rothman said the review was 'overwhelmingly positive' and that no one had indicated the evaluation could lead to termination. The board voted to fire Rothman effective immediately after a closed-door session.

  • Rothman has led the UW system since June 2022.
  • The board voted to fire Rothman on April 8, 2026.

The players

Jay Rothman

The former president of the University of Wisconsin system, who had led the 165,000-student, multi-campus system for nearly four years.

Amy Bogost

The president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, who cited a performance review as the reason for Rothman's firing.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, who appointed the majority of the current board of regents members.

Patrick Testin

The Republican Senate President in Wisconsin, who called Rothman's firing a 'blatant partisan hatchet job'.

Jennifer Mnookin

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

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What they’re saying

“Make no mistake about it, the firing of UW President Rothman is a blatant partisan hatchet job. His only crime was his willingness to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get things done.”

— Patrick Testin, Republican Senate President

“It is disappointing that the first I heard any sort of defense of their position was when they communicated with the media. I am left to conclude that, at best, this reflects an after-the-fact rationalization of a decision that was previously made.”

— Jay Rothman, Former UW System President

What’s next

The state Senate's committee that oversees higher education has scheduled a hearing for Thursday to consider rejecting the appointments of 10 regents appointed by Governor Evers, which would remove them from the board.

The takeaway

The firing of the UW system president highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Republican-controlled legislature and the Democratic governor-appointed board of regents. It raises concerns about the ability of university leaders to navigate complex political landscapes and maintain independence from partisan influences.