UW Regents Seek to Oust President Jay Rothman Amid Controversy

State leaders react to the Board's push to remove the university system's president, who is refusing to resign.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a university administration building, its facade and windows casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation over the leadership changes unfolding within.The UW System's leadership faces an uncertain future as the Board of Regents seeks to remove the president amid a lack of transparency.Today in Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents is seeking to oust President Jay Rothman, who was appointed in 2022 to lead the UW system. Rothman has refused to resign, stating the regents have not provided clear reasons for their loss of confidence in his leadership. State leaders, including Governor Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers, have responded with concerns over the lack of transparency in the regents' actions.

Why it matters

The potential removal of the UW system president has sparked controversy and raised questions about the regents' decision-making process and the future direction of the state's public university system. The situation highlights tensions between university leadership and political oversight, as well as ongoing debates around issues like free speech, diversity programs, and the financial challenges facing higher education.

The details

In letters first reported by the Associated Press, Rothman stated that the regents had lost confidence in his leadership and were telling him he needed to resign or be fired. However, Rothman said he has not been given clear reasons for the regents' push to oust him. The Board of Regents met in closed session on April 1 to discuss 'ongoing personnel matters,' but Regent President Amy Bogost said they 'don't comment on personnel matters.'

  • The Board of Regents met in closed session on April 1 to discuss Rothman's status.
  • Rothman wrote letters about the regents' push to remove him, which were first reported by the Associated Press.

The players

Jay Rothman

The president of the University of Wisconsin system, who was appointed in 2022 and is now facing potential removal by the Board of Regents.

Amy Bogost

The president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Tony Evers

The governor of Wisconsin, who previously served on the UW Board of Regents when he was state schools superintendent.

Dave Murphy

The Republican chair of the Wisconsin Assembly's Colleges and Universities Committee.

Rob Hutton

The Republican senator who leads the Wisconsin Senate's Universities and Technical Colleges committee.

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What they’re saying

“President Rothman deserves to know exactly why the Board has lost confidence in his leadership. I am concerned that the push to oust him may actually stem from his strong support for free speech and open inquiry on our campuses — core principles that must be defended in higher education. The Board owes Wisconsin taxpayers, students and families a full explanation. They should provide specific reasons or stand down from this effort.”

— Dave Murphy, Chair, Wisconsin Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee

“If the Regents will not tell the public why they are making such a significant move, the public will be left to assume this is the latest example of backroom politics dictating how the Board of Regents is overseeing the UW System. Instead of secretive maneuvering, they should be focusing on reducing their bureaucracy, consolidating more of the struggling two-year campuses, instituting reforms that align with the needs of Wisconsin employers, and making higher education more affordable for all Wisconsin students.”

— Rob Hutton, Chair, Wisconsin Senate Universities and Technical Colleges Committee

What’s next

The Board of Regents is expected to provide more information and explanation for their push to remove President Rothman in the coming days and weeks.

The takeaway

The potential ouster of UW President Jay Rothman by the Board of Regents has raised concerns over transparency and the political dynamics influencing the state's public university system. As the situation develops, there will be close scrutiny of the regents' decision-making process and the broader implications for academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the future direction of the UW system.