University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman Faces Dismissal Threat from Regents

Fri Apr 03 2026 11:38:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Jay Rothman, president of the University of Wisconsin System, is refusing to resign as the board of regents attempts to oust him amid a lack of shared reasons for the lack of confidence in his leadership.

The president of the University of Wisconsin System, Jay Rothman, is fighting against the board of regents who are pushing for his resignation or impending removal. In a series of letters, Rothman has expressed surprise at the lack of public concerns about his performance and is waiting for a substantive explanation behind the board's actions. The board's intentions were discussed in a closed meeting, prior to Rothman’s letters being disclosed, raising questions about the legality and transparency of the proceedings against him.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the 165,000-student University of Wisconsin system is fighting attempts by the board of regents to force him to retire or face being fired. The surprise effort to remove Jay Rothman from the post he has held since 2022 was detailed in letters Rothman sent to regents over the past week that were obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

What’s the president’s job?

The president of the Universities of Wisconsin oversees the entire university system, which includes the flagship Madison campus, 12 other universities and several other branch campuses. The president reports to the 18-member board of regents. Vice presidents and chancellors who run the campuses, including the main one in Madison, report to the president. Rothman is the eighth president of the UW System, which was created in 1971 by the state Legislature.

Why is this happening?

It came as a surprise that the board of regents wanted to remove Rothman. Details emerged in two separate letters Rothman sent to regents he met with. No concerns had been aired publicly by regents about Rothman’s performance, leading him to request explanations for the board’s actions. The AP contacted all 18 board members and received no responses regarding the matter.

Can the board do this?

It is unclear whether the board can fire the president without cause, as legal checks are being assessed. Rothman emphasized that he has not been given substantial reasons for the board’s lack of confidence in his leadership, stating he is not prepared to resign on principle.

What has been kept secret?

The actions regarding Rothman's leadership have taken place behind closed doors, with discussions occurring in private meetings. Rothman received warnings of potential dismissal only after these meetings.

Who is Jay Rothman?

Before stepping into the role of president, Rothman had a successful career as an attorney and was the chairman and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner law firm. He holds degrees from Marquette University and Harvard University. Since becoming president, he has dealt with issues including state funding challenges and campus protests concerning free speech.