University of Wisconsin Chancellor Faces Pressure to Resign

The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin System, Jay Rothman, revealed in a letter acquired by the Associated Press that he has been informed he could either resign or be fired. Surprisingly, no specific justification was provided, and Rothman is adamant about not stepping down.

Set to begin his presidency of the 165,000-student multi-campus system in 2022, Rothman communicated in a March 26 letter to the board president that he hadn’t received any reasoning for this push for his ousting.

In his correspondence, Rothman mentioned that he had been given an ultimatum: either resign or retire, or face termination. This threat seemingly comes “despite everything I had accomplished,” he expressed.

On Wednesday night, an emergency closed-door meeting was convened by the board to discuss personnel matters.

“The Board of Regents manages the leadership of the University of Wisconsin and is reviewing its future,” Board Chair Amy Bogost stated in a message to the Associated Press.

She added, “I do not comment on personnel matters.”

When reached via email on Thursday, Rothman chose not to elaborate but mentioned, “I think my letter says it all.”

He further stated, “The Board has not provided any substantial reason for suggesting that it lacks confidence in my leadership,” which played a role in his decision to resist resigning.

In a follow-up letter sent to two other regents on Wednesday, Rothman reiterated his refusal to step down. He indicated that during a meeting on Tuesday, the regents had urged him to resign.

He claimed that the regents warned him that if he refused to step down, they would meet over the weekend to prepare for his firing.

Rothman expressed his frustration, stating that the regents were unable to clarify why they were pressing for his resignation or removal.

In his words, “I find this process largely (if not completely) indefensible.” He had sought a chance to discuss the situation with the board but was reportedly told that wouldn’t be possible.

His time as chancellor has been characterized by challenges like advocating for increased state funding amid federal budget cuts, navigating campus free speech issues during pro-Palestinian protests, and managing declining enrollment that resulted in the closure of eight branch schools.

Back in 2023, Rothman hinted at the possibility of resigning after the council turned down a deal negotiated with the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. However, the board later reversed its decision and approved the agreement.

In a letter from March, Rothman mentioned that the university has pressing needs, including the replacement of the president of its flagship Madison campus this year, as the current one plans to become the president of Columbia University.

He firmly stated, “I do not believe that my resignation at this time is in the best interest of the University of Wisconsin or the state of Wisconsin.” Rothman asserted his deep commitment to the university’s mission and expressed surprise at the reported loss of trust from a majority of unnamed board members.

He asked for clarity regarding the board’s distrust but was met with the vague response that each regent holds their own perspective on the matter, with no specific reasons provided for the decision.

Before his role at the University of Wisconsin, Rothman was the former chairman and CEO of Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner law firm. Interestingly, he had no prior experience in managing higher education institutions.

The University of Wisconsin encompasses 13 colleges alongside several branch campuses.