The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has scheduled a vote for Tuesday to consider firing system president Jay Rothman, who refused to resign without an explanation for his ouster. Rothman, who has led the 165,000-student system since 2022, stated in letters to the board that he was given no substantive reason for the loss of confidence in his leadership.
Board of Regents President Amy Bogost defended the process, saying Rothman was not without notice and that discussions had occurred over the past several months. The board initially asked Rothman to resign or face termination, a request first reported by The Associated Press on April 2. The vote is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Republican state Rep. David Murphy, chair of the Wisconsin Assembly’s colleges and universities committee, criticized the lack of transparency, stating Rothman deserved to know why the board had lost confidence in his leadership. Bogost framed the decision as necessary for the university’s future, citing profound changes in higher education.
Rothman’s tenure has been marked by efforts to address evolving student and workforce needs across Wisconsin’s 72 counties.