The Brewing Leadership Storm at the Universities of Wisconsin
In a dramatic turn of events shaking the foundations of one of the nation's largest public university systems, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman has publicly refused an ultimatum from the system's Board of Regents to resign or face termination. The standoff, which erupted in late March 2026, highlights deepening tensions between the board and the system's top executive, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the future direction of Wisconsin's 165,000-student network of institutions. As details emerge through leaked letters and closed-door meetings, the controversy underscores broader challenges in higher education leadership, where political pressures, enrollment declines, and campus controversies collide.
Rothman, who assumed the presidency in 2022 without prior experience in higher education administration, has positioned himself as a transformative leader. Yet, a majority of the 18-member Board of Regents—appointed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers—appears to have lost confidence in his stewardship, though no specific reasons have been disclosed publicly or even to Rothman himself. This opacity has fueled speculation and criticism from lawmakers, faculty, and observers, turning what might have been an internal personnel matter into a statewide spectacle.
Jay Rothman's Unexpected Rise to the Presidency
Jay Rothman stepped into the role of president of the Universities of Wisconsin (UW) System on July 1, 2022, marking a bold choice by the regents. A Milwaukee native with a bachelor's degree from Marquette University and a law degree from Harvard, Rothman built a distinguished career as an attorney, culminating in his tenure as chairman and CEO of the prominent law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, which boasts 1,100 lawyers across 22 offices. Described by search committee chair Regent Karen Walsh as a "servant leader who builds consensus," Rothman was hired for his outsider perspective and negotiation skills at a time when the system grappled with budget shortfalls and political battles.
The UW System, established by state legislation in 1971, encompasses 13 comprehensive universities—including flagships like UW-Madison—and 13 two-year branch campuses, serving around 165,000 students annually. The president oversees system-wide administration, reports to the Board of Regents, and manages chancellors who lead individual campuses. Rothman's lack of academic credentials drew early skepticism, but he quickly immersed himself in the role, navigating a landscape of fiscal constraints and ideological divides.
Achievements That Defined Rothman's Tenure
Despite the current turmoil, Rothman has touted a record of tangible successes. In a defiant letter dated March 26, 2026, to Board President Amy Bogost, he highlighted securing the largest state operating budget increase in over two decades—approximately $256 million in the 2025-27 biennium. This funding infusion supported employee raises, campus maintenance, and strategic initiatives without necessitating steep tuition hikes.
Enrollment trends also improved under his watch. After years of decline, system-wide headcount rose for the third consecutive year in fall 2025, driven by a record 5.5% surge—or 1,033 students—in Wisconsin-resident new freshmen. Innovations like Direct Admit Wisconsin, which automatically offers admission to qualifying high schoolers, played a key role. Rothman also accelerated the elimination of structural deficits at multiple campuses and launched programs to enhance student access and retention.
Persistent Challenges and High-Profile Controversies
No tenure is without hurdles, and Rothman's has been marked by several flashpoints. Enrollment pressures led to the closure or downsizing of eight UW branch campuses since 2023, including recent decisions like UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County in 2026. These moves, aimed at reallocating resources amid dwindling numbers—down from peaks in the 2010s—drew community backlash but were framed as necessary for long-term sustainability. As of 2026, only five of the original 13 branches remain fully operational.
Campus protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2024 tested the system's resolve. At UW-Madison, police cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment in May, arresting 34 individuals after negotiations stalled. Rothman supported chancellors' decisions to enforce policies, drawing criticism from activists while earning praise from those prioritizing order and free speech. Similarly, the 2023 firing of UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow—who produced adult videos with his wife—sparked a First Amendment lawsuit still unfolding in courts. Rothman defended the unanimous regents' vote as upholding professional standards, though Gow argues it infringes on his rights as a tenured professor.
Politically, Rothman's 2023 negotiation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) compromise with Republican legislative leaders exemplified his bridging efforts. The deal capped DEI hires for three years in exchange for funding and pay raises but initially faltered when regents rejected it—prompting Rothman to offer his resignation before they reversed course.
The Timeline of the Resignation Ultimatum
The pressure campaign crystallized in late March 2026. During a meeting with Regents Bogost and Vice President Kyle Weatherly, Rothman learned a board majority lacked confidence in him, demanding resignation by year's end, 120 days' notice per contract, or dismissal. No formal evaluation or hearing was offered.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late March 2026 | Rothman meets regents; ultimatum issued without reasons. |
| March 26, 2026 | Rothman letters Bogost, refusing on principle: "You did not provide any tangible reasons." |
| April 1, 2026 | Meets Regents Ashok Rai and Jack Salzwedel; learns of potential Easter weekend firing vote. Sends second letter decrying process. |
| April 1 evening | Board holds closed emergency session on personnel. |
Letters obtained by The Associated Press exposed the rift, amplifying calls for transparency.
Regents' Silence and Governance Questions
The Board of Regents has stonewalled inquiries, with Bogost stating, "We don’t comment on personnel matters." Legal questions loom: Can the president be fired without cause or due process? A UW spokesperson is reviewing statutes, but Rothman argues the approach is "nearly indefensible from a Board governance perspective." Critics see echoes of opaque executive ousters plaguing higher education.
Stakeholder Perspectives: A Divided Landscape
- Republicans: State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) lauded Rothman's compromise spirit, accusing Evers-appointed regents of seeking a "progressive" replacement amid DEI disputes.
- Faculty and Unions: Reactions are muted; some leaders cite a "growing rift," but no formal no-confidence votes. Faculty senates at key campuses monitor closely.
- Chancellors and Staff: Amid UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin's January 2026 departure for Columbia University, stability concerns mount.
- Students: Focus remains on transitions, with enrollment gains offering optimism.
For deeper enrollment insights, see the official UW report.
Implications for the UW System and Wisconsin Higher Education
This impasse risks distracting from priorities like replacing Madison's chancellor, sustaining budget gains, and reversing enrollment erosion. The system's economic impact—supporting 100,000+ jobs—amplifies stakes. Political polarization, with Democrats controlling the governorship and Republicans the legislature, could jeopardize future funding.
Lessons from Broader Higher Education Leadership Crises
Rothman's saga mirrors national trends: short tenures (average ~5-7 years for public system presidents), board overreach, and politicized dismissals. Comparable cases, like Ohio State University's Ted Carter resignation amid crises, highlight needs for clear evaluations and transparent processes. Solutions include formal performance metrics, mediated dialogues, and diversified boards.
Photo by History in HD on Unsplash
Outlook: Paths Forward Amid Uncertainty
If Rothman prevails, it bolsters his mandate for reforms; ouster invites interim chaos. Potential remedies: independent review, legislative intervention, or mediated settlement. For stakeholders, monitoring board actions post-Easter and chancellor searches is crucial. Ultimately, resolving this could model resilient governance for public universities nationwide.
For more on recent leadership shifts, explore coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
