MADISON, WI (WSAU) — The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents has announced Jay Rothman will take over as President of the UW system this summer.
Rothman was selected by unanimous vote of the Regents this week, earning the position over UWEC Chancellor James Schmidt.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the UW System and approach this role with profound respect for the unparalleled role public higher education plays in the lives of our students, alumni, and communities,” Rothman said. “I intend to lead by listening first, so that the experience I have gained over my lifetime in Wisconsin can help us build a great UW System together. This is not an original sentiment, but I want to say it because I believe it: the UW System is our state’s crown jewel, and a vibrant UW System builds a strong Wisconsin.”
The 62-year-old is chairman and CEO of the law firm Foley & Lardner LLP in Milwaukee and has been with the firm since the late 1980’s when he started as an attorney before working his way up to partner in 1994.
Rothman grew up in the Wausau area on a small cattle farm, and both of his parents are graduates of UWSP.“We feel a connection to him already as Mr. Rothman grew up in the Wausau area, and both of his parents attended UW-Stevens Point,” said UWSP Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “We look forward to his leadership as we expand access to public higher education for students in the state and beyond.”
Rothman has two children, one of whom graduated from UW-Madison.
He becomes the 8th full-time UW system president. He takes over for Tommy Tompson, who has been serving in an interim role since the spring of 2020.
Thompson was brought in after the lone candidate to replace Ray Cross withdrew his name from consideration. That candidate, University of Alaska system President Jim Johnsen, cited the controversy surrounding his selection as the reason for removing his name.
Cross left the post in late 2019 and the system has been without a permanent President ever since. Thompson will step aside this spring, and the Regents have asked Mike Falbo, a former regent president, to serve as interim president from March 18 until Rothman takes office June 1.
Rothman will earn $550,000 annually.
