University of Wisconsin System President Fired After Public Power Struggle

The Board of Regents for the University of Wisconsin System has fired President Jay O. Rothman. The decision ends his four-year leadership of the state's public university network. The board's vote followed a visible and extended conflict over authority. This "public struggle for power," as described by insiders, led to the breakdown of trust between Rothman and the governing board. No immediate reason for the dismissal was given in the board's brief statement. The Regents have named an interim president while they search for a permanent replacement. The University of Wisconsin System includes 13 public universities. It serves over 161,000 students across the state.