Universities of Wisconsin logo.
(WTAQ-WLUK) — The public is invited to share their input as the Universities of Wisconsin searches for its next president.
The Universities of Wisconsin will host a series of public listening sessions across the state next week. The sessions are designed to gather input from students, faculty, staff, and community members to help inform the qualities and priorities sought in the UWs’ next leader.
“The Universities of Wisconsin belong to the people of this state, and that is why these listening sessions matter,” said Regent Ashok Rai, who is chairing the Presidential Search Committee. “We are seeking a president who will lead with purpose, connect with communities across Wisconsin, and ensure our universities continue to deliver opportunity, innovation, and impact for generations to come.”
The search for UW’s next president comes after the UW Board of Regents unexpectedly fired former president Jay Rothman in April. Although the details surrounding the exit are confidential, a former board member said it was because Rothman lacked urgency to address critical issues like AI, which created a trust and transparency problem for the system.
In his place, UW-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter will serve as the interim leader, effective May 18.
When asked during an online news conference about Rothman’s firing, Rai said he’s focused on the future, adding, “The goal right now is to look forward and find us a new president for the Universities of Wisconsin. We obviously are moving forward and we have a great interim president in President Wachter right now and the focus of this summer and the fall is to find the next president.”
The search for a new UW system president comes as Wisconsin will elect a new governor in November. Rai doesn’t expect the gubernatorial candidates or the outcome of the race to impact the president search which is expected to wrap up by mid to late fall.
He said, “The right president, the future president will be working with whoever is elected. So I don’t think that the next administration should shape who we find because the skillset necessary to be successful in this role is to be able to work with everybody.”
All listening sessions are open to the public and will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their perspectives directly with members of the Presidential Search Committee. Members of the public can also view the sessions virtually and submit comments and ideas online.
The listening session schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. at UW-Green Bay, Weidner Center, Fort Howard Hall, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay
- 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. at UW-Oshkosh, Culver Family Welcome Center, Ballroom C, 625 Pearl Avenue, Oshkosh
- 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. at UW-Milwaukee, School of Continuing Education, 7th floor (Suite 7000), 161 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
- 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. at UW-Madison, Memorial Union, Old Madison Room, 800 Langdon Street, Madison
Thursday, June 11, 2026
- 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. at UW-Eau Claire, Davies Center, Room 340 (Dakota Ballroom), 77 Roosevelt Avenue, Eau Claire
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