The following press release was issued by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on April 7.
MADISON, Wis.—The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System has unanimously voted to make a change in leadership of the system, with current President Jay Rothman’s tenure ending immediately.
The Board is grateful for President Rothman’s service and recognizes the meaningful work undertaken during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Universities of Wisconsin took important and often difficult steps to address longstanding structural deficits, putting individual universities on sounder financial footing for the future. He worked hard to bring the best to the campuses, students, faculty, and staff. Those efforts and that dedication are acknowledged and appreciated. However, despite these accomplishments, based on the annual performance review and subsequent discussions, the Board has lost confidence in President Rothman’s ability to lead the UWs moving forward. View a copy of yesterday’s statement providing additional details. [See below.]
Universities of Wisconsin Vice President for University Relations Chris Patton will serve as Acting Executive-in-Charge Prior to Appointment of Interim President.
The Board has immediately moved forward in its work to identify the successor. Further details regarding that process will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Universities of Wisconsin have incredible students, faculty, and staff and serve as an economic engine for the state of Wisconsin. The UWs work will continue unabated during this transition, and the remarkable accomplishments and work of the 13 universities will continue.
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STATEMENT
Universities of Wisconsin Regents President Amy B. Bogost
April 6, 2024
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously
and acts in the best interests of our students, faculty, staff, and the people of Wisconsin.
Under Board policy, the Board President is tasked to conduct an annual performance
review of the System President. The Board President met with a wide variety of individuals
and stakeholders including, Regents, Chancellors and other members of the Universities
of Wisconsin communities. Regent leadership then shared the results of that review with
President Rothman. This process consisted of multiple meetings with the full Board of
Regents, including direct conversations and clear feedback regarding leadership
expectations.
President Rothman was not without notice, nor was this process sudden. The Board has
engaged with President Rothman in good-faith discussions over the past several months.
This does not diminish the President’s many contributions, which we acknowledge and
greatly appreciate. As an at-will employee of the Board of Regents, the System President
serves at the pleasure of the Board, which bears the responsibility of determining whether
its chosen leader continues to hold its confidence. This governance structure is standard
practice, and it exists to ensure that we remain accountable to the public we are honored
to serve.
At a time of profound change in higher education, this decision is about the future. The
Universities of Wisconsin must be led with a clear vision that both protects and
strengthens our flagship, supports our comprehensive universities, and ensures we are
meeting the evolving needs of our students, workforce, and communities across all 72
counties.
The Board will meet on April 7, 2026, at 5:00pm to consider next steps with that
responsibility firmly in mind.
