The University of Wisconsin system on Friday named Jay O. Rothman the new system president, following a unanimous vote from the Board of Regents.
Rothman, who serves as chairman and CEO of a law firm in Milwaukee, will become the eighth president of the system.
“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.”
According to a release from the UW System, the new leader will receive a salary of $550,000 annually and will officially begin his appointment on June 1.
Rothman has deep connections to the state and schools within the system. After growing up in the state, members of his family attended both UW-Stevens Point and UW-Madison.
The law firm executive was one of two finalists announced by the Special Regent Committee. The other, James C. Schmidt, serves as chancellor at UW-Eau Claire.
“Jay is a servant leader who has chosen to dedicate the remainder of his outstanding career to our students, our faculty and staff, and our taxpayers,” said Karen Walsh, regent vice president and chair of the Search and Screen Committee. “He has the leadership and executive management skills our university system needs. He understands organizations. He builds consensus. He believes in the profound value of higher education.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “University of Wisconsin-Madison” by University of Wisconsin-Madison.
