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Category: Higher Education/System

Republicans Push Back Against UW System Tuition Increase Proposal

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Wisconsin Right Now

Several Republican lawmakers are upset with the University of Wisconsin System’s proposal to increase tuition by 2% a year after a 5% increase.

Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, went as far as saying that a pair of trustees “lied to all our faces” in committee testimony when they said that tuition would not be raised again this soon.

“Unfortunately, students and their families are the ones who will be paying the price for this dishonesty,” Testin said in a statement. “At least we now know that we can no longer take the UW Board of Regents at their word.

Next UW-Madison chancellor may be chosen by end of 2026

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The Cap Times

Students, faculty and staff could learn by fall who will become the next leader of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“We hope to have a new chancellor named … by the end of the calendar year, at the latest,” Jason Beier, who oversees human resources for the broader UW system, recently told a group tasked with finding Jennifer Mnookin’s replacement.

UW system proposes in-state tuition increase for fourth consecutive year

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Wisconsin State Journal

Tuition for in-state students on Universities of Wisconsin campuses may increase again this fall.

The UW Board of Regents will vote Thursday on whether to raise tuition for in-state undergraduate students by 2% for the 2026-27 academic year.

If the plan is approved, in-state students at UW-Madison will pay $210 more next fall, or $10,716 total, and out-of-state students will see a 4% tuition increase, or about $1,701, raising the total to $44,232.

UW-Madison expects continued decline in number of international graduate students

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Wisconsin State Journal

UW-Madison is anticipating a smaller cohort of international graduate students on campus next fall, according to the university’s director of the graduate school.

Dean of the Graduate School William Karpus said at a campus meeting last week that fewer international students have applied to graduate programs, and the university has also admitted a smaller number than in previous years for next fall.

Hack at UW, elsewhere exposes dangerous weakness in online education

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Wisconsin State Journal

College students might imagine many nightmare scenarios during finals week:

  • A damaged laptop entombs an important essay.
  • The least useful member of a group project accidentally deletes the shared Google document.
  • A burrito consumed on the eve of a crucial presentation fulfills an untimely revenge.

But what if these horrors weren’t yours alone? What if all students and their professors found themselves living a shared nightmare at the worst possible time?

Opinion: Has the University of Wisconsin Really Abandoned DEI?

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City Journal

Universities across the country have wound down their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in recent years, following criticism of the programs’ patterns of racial discrimination and compelled speech. In some cases, DEI roles were not removed but simply renamed and moved to other departments. In fact, a recent Inside Higher Ed survey found that 43 percent of universities have rebranded their DEI initiatives. The names change; the agenda remains the same.

Tom Still: These ‘moonshots’ are grounded in engineering know-how

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Wisconsin State Journal

The term “moonshot” most often reminds people of the Apollo space program that first landed astronauts on the moon in 1969 or April’s Artemis II mission, which was the first crewed flight beyond Earth’s orbit since 1972.

Devesh Ranjan, the new dean of UW-Madison’s College of Engineering, is hoping people will also associate “moonshots” with lofty research goals in the coming decade.

 

UW Madison holds graduation ceremony for doctoral, MFA and medical students

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ABC 27

UW Madison hosted its first commencement ceremony of the year for doctoral, MFA and medical students on May 8.

Honorary degree recipient and UW graduate Speaker Tia Nelson spoke about her work in conservation and environmental protection. “The most complex problems we face will take more than persistence. They will take people with the courage to try something new,” Nelson said.

UW-Madison’s College of Computing and AI dean speaks with For the Record

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Channel 3000

For the first time in 40 years, UW-Madison is launching a new college.

The university has named Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau as the founding dean of the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, set to officially open on July 1.

As artificial intelligence continues to grow, so do its criticisms.

Lifelong Learner: Resources, support can help with returning to college

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Wisconsin State Journal

Being a student at any age is a challenge, but returning to college as an adult with a job, caretaking roles and other responsibilities requires a special kind of balancing act.

Leslie Wright knows this all too well. After an attempt at college in the 1990s, she left and later earned her associate degree. Wright entered the workforce but stepped away to raise children. Through volunteer work and as a school board member in Oregon, she saw a need for mental health support in schools. She overcame obstacles to go back to school, and she’ll finish her bachelor’s in psychology this summer.

Closures Contributed to Deep Cuts in April

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Inside HigherEd

Officials at the public flagship said in a recent court filing that the university may have to lay off up to 160 employees if it doesn’t get clarity on federal funding in the near future, The Cap Times reported.

At issue is an effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to impose conditions on financial disbursements. USDA has asked states to agree to conditions to continue receiving funding, including ensuring federal money won’t be used to “promote gender ideology” or diversity, equity and inclusion practices. In March, 21 states sued the USDA over the preconditions; though UW Madison is not a plaintiff, the state of Wisconsin is.

Maria Woldt named director of Dairy Innovation Hub

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WTAQ
On June 1, Maria Woldt will become the third director of the Dairy Innovation Hub, a state-funded initiative that brings together scientists, farmers, businesses, and educators to explore new ideas to ensure Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy sector remains globally competitive while advancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

UW-Madison plans pay raises for 548 faculty in high-demand fields By Becky Jacobs

Posted on
The Cap Times

Nearly 550 faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are set to receive pay raises this month as part of efforts to attract and retain faculty in high-demand fields of study.

State lawmakers provided $27 million annually and created an annual appropriation to the UW system in the current state budget for the compensation. Over 2,300 faculty members across the state’s 13 public universities are receiving raises through the funding, said Mark Pitsch, a UW system spokesperson.

Opinion: How to fill 3 big university jobs in Madison | Our View

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Wisconsin State Journal

The chancellor is leaving.

The president got fired.

The athletic director jumped before he could be pushed.

That’s a lot of turnover at the top for UW-Madison and the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin. It’s also an opportunity to reset priorities for higher education in Madison and across the state. The Regents and others who will help fill these jobs need to get this right.

UW system launches search for UW-Madison’s next chancellor

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Wisconsin State Journal

The Universities of Wisconsin has launched a national search to identify UW-Madison’s next chancellor.

Acting UW system head Chris Patton and UW Board of Regents President Amy Bogost appointed a group of 23 faculty, staff, students and people from the Madison area to identify UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin’s successor.

UW-Madison research leader is among science advisers Trump dismissed

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Wisconsin State Journal

President Donald Trump’s dismissal on Friday of the independent board that advises the National Science Foundation included UW-Madison’s top research leader.

Vice Chancellor for Research Dorota Grejner-Brzezińska was one of the 22 current members on the board that advises Congress and the president on the National Science Foundation’s operations. President Joe Biden appointed her in 2023 when she was working at Ohio State University.

UW-Madison warns in court filing that 160 employees may be laid off

Posted on
The Cap Times

If University of Wisconsin-Madison administrators don’t get more clarity on new federal funding rules soon, the university’s Division of Extension may lay off up to 160 employees.

Vice Chancellor Dorota Grejner-Brzezinska, who oversees UW-Madison’s $1.93 billion research operation, recently outlined that concern in a court declaration filed as part of a broader lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

UW-Madison names founding dean of College of Computing and AI

Posted on
Channel 3000

UW-Madison named Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau as founding dean of the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence as the school prepares to launch the new college on July 1.

Approved in December by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, the college is the first academic division created at UW-Madison in more than 40 years.

University Of Wisconsin receives $100 million for its new AI college

Posted on
Yahoo News/University Business

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received $100 million in private gift commitments for its new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, which is set to launch on July 1, 2026.

The donations come from what’s referred to as the Catalyst Collective — a group of alumni, business leaders and corporate partners who have pledged major investments in the college. The alumni donors include Andy Konwinski, cofounder of Laude, Databricks and Perplexity AI; John Morgridge, former chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, and Tashia Morgridge, a retired special education teacher; Signe Ostby, a former marketing executive; and Jeff Tangney, cofounder and CEO of Doximity. The contributors also include Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit; and Epic, a software company based in Verona, Wisconsin.

University Of Wisconsin Receives $100 Million For Its New AI College

Posted on
Forbes

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received $100 million in private gift commitments for its new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, which is set to launch on July 1, 2026.

The donations come from what’s referred to as the Catalyst Collective — a group of alumni, business leaders and corporate partners who have pledged major investments in the college. The alumni donors include Andy Konwinski, cofounder of Laude, Databricks and Perplexity AI; John Morgridge, former chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, and Tashia Morgridge, a retired special education teacher; Signe Ostby, a former marketing executive; and Jeff Tangney, cofounder and CEO of Doximity. The contributors also include Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit; and Epic, a software company based in Verona, Wisconsin.

UW-Madison announces $100 million gift, dean for new AI college

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Wisconsin State Journal

UW-Madison on Monday announced a $100 million donation and dean for the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence that will hold its first classes next fall.

The investment comes from a group of alumni and industry leaders and is intended to help swiftly recruit and hire 50 new faculty, expand research and build programs for the college, which opens July 1.

UW–Madison’s reach throughout Wisconsin adds up to $38.9 billion a year

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Wisconsin State Journal

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s core mission has long held that the work of the university should benefit the entire state. A newly released study now quantifies that commitment, estimating that the university, its affiliated organizations and the startup companies it generates contribute $38.9 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy.

UW-Madison’s new provost rejects reactive response to threats, challenges

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Wisconsin State Journal

Around framed photos of his dogs and Badger merchandise, a paper name plate on John Zumbrunnen’s desk in Bascom Hall at UW-Madison has the word “interim” crossed out with a pen.

After nine months as interim provost, Zumbrunnen secured his role as the university’s chief academic officer and second-ranking official after a national search this winter. As provost, he oversees academic programs and budget planning.

Cardinal View: UW’s leadership turnover is an opportunity to reevaluate value

Posted on
The Daily Cardinal

The University of Wisconsin System has undergone a striking series of leadership changes over the past few months. In February, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announced her departure for Columbia University. A couple weeks ago, the Regents terminated President Jay Rothman, and most recently, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced his exit.

Who wants to be the next UW system prez?

Posted on
Isthmus

You’re one of the smartest people in the country. You’ve had success throughout your career, academically and professionally. You serve on several boards of international businesses and joined public policy debates. You’ve answered questions on national issues posed by conservative and liberal talk show and podcast hosts.

But you might write the following note turning down a suggestion that you apply to be the next president of the Universities of Wisconsin.

UW Regents reveal rifts behind UW system president’s firing

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Wisconsin State Journal

UW Board of Regents leaders on Thursday defended their decision to oust the Universities of Wisconsin president, describing a man who had successes, but who also had a top-down management style and clashed with the Regents on several occasions.

The Regents on Tuesday night unanimously voted to fire Jay Rothman, without any public discussion, drawing criticism from legislative Republicans that the board wasn’t being transparent.

Republicans threaten to oust UW Regents for firing UW system President Jay Rothman

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Wisconsin State Journal

Republican lawmakers are threatening to remove members of the UW Board of Regents after the Board asserted its own authority to fire the Universities of Wisconsin president.

The Regents unanimously voted without discussion Tuesday to fire President Jay Rothman, who has led the about 165,000-student and 13-university system since 2022.

 

Eschenfelder named interim L&S dean at UW–Madison

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Wisconsin State Journal

Kristin Eschenfelder, a professor and associate dean, will serve as the interim dean of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s largest academic unit, the College of Letters & Science.

The appointment is effective on May 17, concurrent with the beginning of Dean Eric M. Wilcots’s term as interim chancellor.

Eschenfelder, who has been on campus since she joined the Information School faculty in 2000, has served as the L&S academic associate dean and associate director for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences since it launched in 2019.

Fired UW system President Jay Rothman says he was ‘blindsided’ by ouster

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Wisconsin State Journal

Fired Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman told The Associated Press on Wednesday in his first interview since the ouster that he was “blindsided” by the move but has no hard feelings and is unlikely to sue.

Rothman was fired on Tuesday night in a unanimous vote by the board of regents following a roughly 30-minute closed-door discussion. Regents have not given a reason for firing Rothman, who was in the job for just under four years.

 

Leader of University of Wisconsin System Is Fired by the Board

Posted on
The New York Times

The board of Wisconsin’s public university system voted on Tuesday to fire President Jay O. Rothman, who angered Democrats and faculty members for bargaining with the Republican-led State Legislature and recently defied regents pressing for his resignation.

The decision was unanimous, with 17 members of the board — which is controlled by appointees of Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat — voting to remove Mr. Rothman. One member was not present for the vote.

Universities of Wisconsin board will vote on whether to fire system president who refused to quit

Posted on
ABC 27

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents scheduled a Tuesday vote to consider firing the system’s president, who refused their offer to quietly resign because he said no reason had been given for the surprise ouster.

Jay Rothman said in two letters sent to regents that he would not resign from leading the 165,000-student system without an explanation of what he had done wrong.

UW–Madison graduate programs earn top U.S. News rankings

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Wisconsin State Journal

University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate programs are once again highly ranked among the nation’s best in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools.”

Highlights include high marks in several specific rankings — with nearly 20 ranking in their respective top 10 lists — shining a light on the breadth and depth of the university’s overall graduate offerings.

UW Board of Regents to meet Tuesday on firing UW system president

Posted on
Wisconsin State Journal

The UW Board of Regents appears poised to fire the Universities of Wisconsin president, after a dayslong standoff between the top leader and the board.

The Regents will convene virtually at 5 p.m. Tuesday, enter a closed session to discuss President Jay Rothman’s termination, and then may reconvene in public session, according to the meeting notice published Monday afternoon.

Rothman refuses to resign despite Regents’ request

Posted on
The Daily Cardinal

University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman has refused to resign at the Board of Regents’ request, the Associated Press first reported Thursday.

Rothman, who has led the System for nearly four years, said that he will not step aside and has been given no reason from the Regents for why they are requesting his removal in a letter to the Regents, obtained by The Daily Cardinal. In a second letter, he claimed the Regents planned to fire him over the weekend which would make him the first UW System president to be fired.

Universities of Wisconsin leaders looking to oust system president who refuses to quit

Posted on
Associated Press

The president of the University of Wisconsin system said in letters obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday that he has been told to either resign or be fired, but has been given no reason and won’t step aside.

Jay Rothman, president of the multicampus 165,000-student university system since 2022, said in a letter addressed to the head of the Board of Regents dated March 26 that he has been given no reason why regents want him to leave.

5 things to know about UW system President Jay Rothman amid ouster push

Posted on
Wisconsin State Journal

Jay Rothman’s tenure as Universities of Wisconsin president hasn’t been without controversy, but it’s not clear yet why the UW Board of Regents has asked him to resign or be fired.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that Rothman wrote in a letter to the Regents that he is resisting the board’s request for him to step aside as leader of the 13-university system because they didn’t give him a reason.

‘It is critical’: UW physics professors stress importance of federal funding

Posted on
Spectrum News

“There is no prize for second place,” said Greg Keenan of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. “It is critical that the U.S. win the race for quantum technologies. Fortunately for us, UW-Madison is home to some of the world’s most significant breakthroughs in quantum science.”

University of Wisconsin-Madison students, alumni and professors who came to Washington to lobby for more research funding got schooled on just how important that funding is.

University researchers explained how federally funded work in quantum physics and mechanics led to the invention of GPS, lasers and MRI technology.

AI is growing. Universities of Wisconsin wants to help you understand it.

Posted on
Wisconsin Public Radio

AI technology is developing so fast, experts say advances are becoming hard to measure.

Recognizing this, the Universities of Wisconsin has launched a free series of videos for people who need a starting point.

The AI Skills Access Passport (ASAP) was developed in partnership with UW Credit Union. The series is designed for the general public.

Wisconsin Senate passes NIL bill that gives Badgers taxpayer funding

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Wisconsin Badgers are one step closer to receiving taxpayer support as they adapt to the changing college sports landscape.

With a one-vote margin, the state Senate on March 17 approved a bill to provide taxpayer funding for athletic facility debt service and formalize rules around name, image and likeness. Eleven Republicans and six Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while seven Republicans and nine Democrats voted against it.

Group formed by UW-Madison faculty wives now a scholarship engine

Posted on
The Cap Times

Richard Leffler never heard of The University League before meeting his wife, Joan, and for years, he attended events only as her guest. When she became president, he watched her lead the nonprofit through the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home to keep programs afloat.

“She worked all day on that computer. She got her own Zoom subscription. Anything she did, she did 100%,” Leffler said.

Since its founding in 1901, the organization has grown from a small social group of faculty wives into a nonprofit that awards scholarships to University of Wisconsin-Madison students and sustains a vibrant community of members. It awarded over $166,000 in scholarships last year.

New UW-Madison provost: ‘We don’t know how long our hotness will last’

Posted on
The Cap Times

John Zumbrunnen doesn’t pretend to have all the answers as the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s new provost. He doesn’t actually think he should.

A provost’s job, he said, is to “make sure that campus is asking the right, big strategic questions” and bring together teams in “search for the answers.”

That’s the pitch Zumbrunnen recently made as he sought to become UW-Madison’s next chief academic officer and the second-highest ranking leader on campus.

If NIL bill isn’t approved, Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh says ‘everything is on the table’

Posted on
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh remains optimistic about the outlook of proposed legislation that would provide taxpayer support for athletic facility debt service and codify rules around name, image and likeness.

“I think there’s a tremendous amount of receptivity to the bill and what’s in the bill,” McIntosh said.

How Wisconsin squares suing Miami while joining Big Ten’s call for changes to tampering rules

Posted on
Wisconsin State Journal

One of the groups experiencing the “Wild West” of current college athletics wants even less oversight.

Big Ten Conference leaders want the NCAA to pause investigations and possible punishments against teams for tampering with athletes around transfer portal windows, according to a letter sent by the Big Ten to the NCAA that was obtained Wednesday by ESPN. The conference, which includes the University of Wisconsin, believes the rules regarding contact with transfers can’t keep up with the rest of the changes made to the landscape of college sports.