Fired Universities of Wisconsin president tells AP he was 'blindsided' by his ouster
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Jay Rothman, former president of the Universities of Wisconsin, said he was "blindsided" by his firing, which was decided unanimously by the board of regents without an official reason provided.
- Rothman, who served just under four years, expressed no hard feelings and is unlikely to pursue legal action against the board.
- The board emphasized the need for clear leadership to support the university system's future, but Rothman criticized the board's lack of consensus and clear direction.
- During his tenure, Rothman dealt with state funding challenges, free speech controversies, and enrollment issues, and brokered a significant legislative deal involving diversity hiring and funding.
- Republican leaders, including State Senate President Patrick Testin, condemned the firing as partisan, with calls to reject gubernatorial appointees to the board in response.
