Board of Regents Names Universities of Wisconsin Finalists
Three candidates are set to compete for the system's presidency following a leadership change earlier this year.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Higher Education
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The Board of Regents has officially announced the three finalists vying to become the next president of the Universities of Wisconsin system. This search follows the board's decision to fire former president Jay Rothman in April 2026.
Why it matters
The selection of a new leader is critical for the university system, which serves thousands of students and residents across the state. This move aims to stabilize leadership after the board cited a loss of confidence in the previous administration.
The Universities of Wisconsin system oversees 13 public universities and serves approximately 163,000 students. The institution employs over 41,000 staff members and reaches 1 million Wisconsin residents through its various outreach programs.
The players
Steven Gareth Holley
He is one of the three finalists selected by the Board of Regents to compete for the presidency of the university system.
Tonjanita L. Johnson
She is one of the three finalists selected by the Board of Regents to compete for the presidency of the university system.
Bernard J. Savarese
He is one of the three finalists selected by the Board of Regents to compete for the presidency of the university system.
Renée Wachter
She has been serving as the interim president of the university system since May 18, 2026.
Jay Rothman
He is the former president of the university system who was fired by the Board of Regents in April 2026.
The details
The finalists include Steven Gareth Holley, Tonjanita L. Johnson, and Bernard J. Savarese. These candidates will soon begin participating in public forums and interviews with the search committee and university chancellors to determine the best fit for the role.
Timeline
Former president Jay Rothman was fired in April 2026.
Renée Wachter began her role as interim president on May 18, 2026.
Public forums and the feedback period begin on October 26, 2026.
The public feedback period concludes on October 27, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Culture Shift
The search for a new university president reflects the governance standards established by the Wisconsin state constitution's oversight of public education. This selection process highlights the ongoing transition in state educational leadership following a major administrative departure.
Wisconsin residents and students can participate in the selection process by providing feedback during public forums scheduled for late October. The final decision will influence the long-term direction of the 13 public universities that serve the state's population.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new system president will shape the future academic and operational priorities of the state's public university network. Interested community members should prepare their input for the upcoming public feedback sessions to ensure their voices are heard.
Further reading
Find more updates on the Higher Education sector across the state.
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