The Wisconsin Board of Regents voted unanimously to terminate University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman, ending his tenure after just over four years in the role. The decision came following a 20-minute closed virtual session, with 17 members voting in favor and one absent.
Rothman, a former lawyer and CEO with no prior higher education leadership experience, was appointed in 2022. The regents had previously asked him to resign or face termination, but Rothman declined, requesting clarity on the reasons for his removal. Regent President Amy Bogost stated the board had shared performance review results with Rothman, emphasizing the need for a "clear vision" but providing no further details.
The secrecy surrounding the decision has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, who control the state legislature and the system's funding. GOP state Rep. David Murphy called the lack of transparency "unacceptable."