Evers Fires UW Regent Timothy Nixon

Gov. Tony Evers removed Universities of Wisconsin Regent Timothy Nixon after an alleged altercation with UW meeting support staff.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in People

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Gov. Tony Evers fired Universities of Wisconsin Regent Timothy Nixon and withdrew his nomination to the Board of Regents. Evers said a regent failed to uphold the standard of treating people with dignity and respect, following an alleged altercation with UW meeting support staff.

Why it matters

Regents are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, and Nixon had not been confirmed, so the move shows how the governor can end a regent's service in Wisconsin. The decision also shapes who will guide the state's public university system in the months ahead.

Nixon began serving on the board in 2024 and was scheduled to hold the seat until 2031. Evers will allow Gov.-elect David Crowley to select Nixon's replacement, and multiple current regents have not been confirmed by the state Senate.

The players

Tony Evers

Tony Evers is the Governor of Wisconsin, who nominates members of the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Timothy Nixon

Timothy Nixon is a Green Bay lawyer who joined the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents in 2024.

David Crowley

David Crowley is Wisconsin's governor-elect, who will select the replacement for Nixon's seat.

The details

Evers' office issued a news release announcing the firing. Nixon said Evers withdrew his nomination rather than confirming the firing in the usual sense, and Evers said the alleged altercation with UW meeting support staff violated the standard of dignity and respect.

2024: Nixon began serving on the Board of Regents.
Nov. 13, 2026: Evers fired Nixon following the alleged altercation.
2031: End of Nixon's term, which his replacement will serve until.

Governance Context

Under Wisconsin's system, regents are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, and Nixon's removal came before he was confirmed. Multiple current regents remain unconfirmed, placing the governor's withdrawal power at the center of the dispute.

Wisconsin residents who attend or work at UW campuses may see changes in board leadership once Crowley selects Nixon's replacement. Readers should watch for the Senate's review of the unconfirmed regents as the appointments take shape.

The takeaway

The removal of a regent before Senate confirmation shows that the governor's nomination power can end a board seat early. Wisconsin residents should follow confirmation votes, since they determine who oversees the state's public universities.