- Podcasts
Podcasts - Videos
Videos - Policy Issues
Policy Issues - About
About
Senator Hutton Holds Hearing With UW Regents
The head of the Wisconsin Senate’s university committee says he still has not heard a good explanation as to why the University of Wisconsin fired its president.
Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, on Thursday held a hearing where he pressed UW regents for answers about their vote this week to fire university president Jay Rothman.
He was not impressed with what he heard.
“I was dismayed that they were unable to provide any documentation whatsoever—not so much as a meeting note—on the performance reviews that they repeatedly cited as leading to Rothman’s termination. Even the smallest of private businesses must keep extensive documentation on similar personnel matters. I was also disappointed that the remaining 8 nominees whose nominations were to be considered were not in attendance," Hutton said in a statement.
Regent Timothy Nixon told lawmakers on Thursday that Regents made it clear to Rothman that they were not happy with his management and management style.
He painted Rothman as a "top down" manager who inserted himself into the Regents' business.
Nixon also said there was a disagreement over the use of AI at the university.
Nixon said Rothman's decision to go public with his firing was very "one-sided."
"This is no different than moving on to a different quarterback," Nixon added.
Still, Hutton said he didn't hear enough to convince him that didn't fire Rothman because Rothman was pushing for change.
“In all my years in the legislature, I have only known the Board of Regents to be guardians of the status quo, so I have my doubts that the Regents have been stonewalled in a desire to make significant reforms,” Hutton added. “Our committee will evaluate what we heard today and what we didn’t hear…and decide what further actions are appropriate.”
Interested in the content of this Article?
Reach out to the MacIver Institute to aquire more information
