# University of Wisconsin System

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The **University of Wisconsin System**[6][a] is a state public [university system](/source/University_system) in the U.S. state of [Wisconsin](/source/Wisconsin). It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 160,000 students each year and employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide.[5][7] The system is headquartered in the state capital of [Madison](/source/Madison,_Wisconsin).

The University of Wisconsin System comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses. Since 2018, the system has undergone significant restructuring and consolidation of its two-year programs in response to enrollment and budgetary shifts.[8][9][10][11]

## History

The present-day University of Wisconsin System was created on October 11, 1971, by Chapter 100, Laws of 1971, which combined the former University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Universities systems into an enlarged University of Wisconsin System. The final legislation passed in May 1974, combining two chapters of the Wisconsin statutes. The merger took effect July 9, 1974.[12]

### Former University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin was created by the state constitution in 1848, and held its first classes in Madison in 1849.

In 1956, pressed by the growing demand for a large public university that offered graduate programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city, Wisconsin lawmakers merged [Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee](/source/Wisconsin_State_College_of_Milwaukee) (WSCM) and the [University of Wisconsin–Extension](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Extension)'s Milwaukee division as the [University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Milwaukee). The new campus comprised the WSCM campus near the lakefront and the UW extension in downtown Milwaukee.

Starting in the 1940s, freshman-sophomore centers were opened across the state. In 1968, the [Green Bay](/source/Green_Bay,_Wisconsin) center was upgraded to a full-fledged four-year institution as the [University of Wisconsin–Green Bay](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Green_Bay), while the [Kenosha](/source/Kenosha,_Wisconsin) and [Racine](/source/Racine,_Wisconsin) centers were merged as the [University of Wisconsin–Parkside](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Parkside). By 1971, the University of Wisconsin system had campuses at Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Kenosha/[Somers](/source/Somers,_Wisconsin), together with 10 freshman-sophomore centers and the statewide [University of Wisconsin–Extension](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Extension).[13] The total enrollment of the University of Wisconsin system at that time was 69,554. The [Board of Regents](/source/Governing_boards_of_colleges_and_universities_in_the_United_States) of the University of Wisconsin system comprise ten members, nine of whom were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for nine-year terms. The tenth was the [State Superintendent of Public Instruction](/source/Superintendent_of_Public_Instruction_of_Wisconsin), who served *[ex officio](/source/Ex_officio)* on both the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State University boards.

### Former Wisconsin State Universities

In 1866, the state legislature established a [normal school](/source/Normal_school) at [Platteville](/source/Platteville,_Wisconsin)—the first of eight teacher-training schools across the state. In 1911, the legislature permitted the normal schools to offer two years of post-high school work in art, liberal arts and sciences, pre-law, and pre-medicine. The broadened curriculum proved popular and soon accounted for over one-third of the normal schools' enrollment. In 1920, the [Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching](/source/Carnegie_Foundation_for_the_Advancement_of_Teaching) issued a report on "The Professional Education of Teachers of American Public Schools", which attacked such programs, arguing that normal schools should not deviate from their purpose as trainers of teachers. When the Milwaukee Normal School (MNS) persisted with its popular enhanced curriculum, the regents of the Normal School system, the legislature, and the governor all became involved. MNS President Carroll G. Pearse was forced to resign in 1923, and the regents ordered the discontinuation of non-teacher-education programs. The issue was not settled, though; public pressure for expanded offerings at normal schools continued to grow, and education professionals asserted that traditional two-year curricula in teacher training were inadequate.

In 1926, the regents repurposed the Normal Schools as "State Teachers Colleges", offering a four-year course of study leading to a Bachelor of Education degree that incorporated significant general education at all levels. The thousands of returning World War II veterans in Wisconsin needed more college choices for their studies under the [G.I. Bill](/source/G.I._Bill), and popular demand pushed the State Teachers College system Regents to once again allow the teacher training institutions to offer bachelor's degrees in liberal arts and fine arts. In 1951 the state teachers colleges were redesignated as "Wisconsin State Colleges," offering a full four-year liberal arts curriculum. In 1955, the Stout Institute in [Menomonie](/source/Menomonie,_Wisconsin), which had been founded as a private engineering school in 1891 and was sold to the state in 1911, was merged into the Wisconsin State Colleges system; it had previously been governed by a separate state board of regents.

The state colleges were all granted university status as "Wisconsin State Universities" in 1964 (with the exception of [Wisconsin State College-Milwaukee](/source/Wisconsin_State_College-Milwaukee), which had become part of the University of Wisconsin in 1956).

As of 1971, the Wisconsin State Universities comprised nine public universities ([Platteville](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Platteville), [Whitewater](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Whitewater), [Oshkosh](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Oshkosh), [River Falls](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93River_Falls), [Stout](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Stout) (in Menomonie), [Superior](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Superior), [Stevens Point](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Stevens_Point), [La Crosse](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93La_Crosse), and [Eau Claire](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Eau_Claire)) and four freshman-sophomore branch campuses, with a total enrollment of 64,148. The board was made up of 14 members, 13 of whom were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for five-year terms. The 14th was the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

### Merger

The University of Wisconsin system merged with the Wisconsin State University system in 1971 to create today's University of Wisconsin System. The 1971 merger law approved by the State Senate combined the two higher education systems in Wisconsin under a single Board of Regents, creating a system with 13 universities, 14 freshman-sophomore centers (as [University of Wisconsin Colleges](/source/University_of_Wisconsin_Colleges)), and a statewide extension with offices in all 72 counties. Each university is named "University of Wisconsin–" followed by the location or name. Each two-year college was named "University of Wisconsin–" followed by the city and/or county in which it is located. The move, intended to enhance the University of Wisconsin's prestige and influence, was resisted by some parties concerned with a possible [brand dilution](/source/Brand_dilution).[13]

The Board of the University of Wisconsin System includes 18 members, 16 of whom are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Of these 16 members, 14 serve staggered, seven-year terms. The remaining two are two-year positions filled by current University of Wisconsin System students. The two *ex officio* members are the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the president or a designee of the [Wisconsin Technical College System](/source/Wisconsin_Technical_College_System) Board.[13]

### 2018 restructuring

In October 2017, University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross publicly proposed restructuring the University of Wisconsin System to bring the UW Colleges under the control of their nearest comprehensive university, creating regional two-year campuses within the system.[8] The proposal also included splitting UW–Extension between University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Wisconsin System administration. [University of Wisconsin Colleges Online](/source/University_of_Wisconsin_Colleges_Online), which was operating as an additional campus of University of Wisconsin Colleges, would be relocated under University of Wisconsin System administration. Cross announced this proposal without consulting shared governance groups or administrators. System administration argued that the merger would save money.[14]

Critics said the merger was being rushed without input from the campuses and that the system was buckling to political pressure from the state.[14] The proposal was approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents in their November 2017 meeting, and implementation began July 1, 2018.[14][8][15]

### 2023–present: Branch campus closures

Main article: [Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses](/source/Closures_of_the_University_of_Wisconsin_branch_campuses)

In 2023, [University of Wisconsin–Platteville Richland](/source/University_of_Wisconsin%E2%80%93Platteville_Richland) shut down, marking the first time a University of Wisconsin campus has closed since University of Wisconsin–Medford in 1980. Following this closure, [four other University of Wisconsin branch campuses have closed](/source/Closures_of_the_University_of_Wisconsin_branch_campuses). Additionally, one campus has gone entirely online and another has stopped using several of its campus buildings. Many have expressed concerns about the future of the Wisconsin Idea following these closures.[9][10][11]

## Campuses

### Main campuses

Campus Founded Enrollment (Fall 2024)[16] Endowment (2021–22) (millions)[17] Athletic affiliation Athletic nickname (Conference) U.S. News Rank (Midwest 2026)[18] Carnegie Classification[19] Madison 1848 51,791 NCAA D-I (FBS) Badgers (Big Ten) 36 (national) R1: Doctoral Universities Very high research activity Milwaukee 1956 22,683 NCAA D-I (non-football) Panthers (Horizon) 301 (national) R1: Doctoral Universities Very high research activity Oshkosh 1871 12,964 NCAA D-III Titans (WIAC) 352 (national) Doctoral Universities Doctoral/Professional Universities Whitewater 1868 11,752 NCAA D-III Warhawks (WIAC) 31 Master's Universities Larger Programs Green Bay 1965 11,188 NCAA D-I (non-football) Phoenix (Horizon) 74 Master's Universities Medium Programs La Crosse 1909 10,458 NCAA D-III Eagles (WIAC) 14 Master's Universities Larger Programs Eau Claire 1916 10,000 NCAA D-III Blugolds (WIAC) 25 Master's Universities Medium Programs Stevens Point 1894 8,251 NCAA D-III Pointers (WIAC) 54 Master's Universities Medium Programs Stout (Menomonie) 1891 6,914 NCAA D-III Blue Devils (WIAC) 84 Master's Universities Larger Programs Platteville 1866 6,391 NCAA D-III Pioneers (WIAC) 49 Master's Universities Larger Programs River Falls 1874 5,273 NCAA D-III Falcons (WIAC) 54 Master's Universities Medium Programs Parkside (Kenosha) 1968 3,948 NCAA D-II Rangers (GLIAC) 118 Master's Universities Medium Programs Superior 1893 2,823 NCAA D-III Yellowjackets (UMAC) 135 Master's Universities Medium Programs

### Branch campuses

#### Current

Set to close

Campus Parent campus Founded Enrollment (Fall 2024)[5] Athletic nickname (Conference) Rock County (Janesville) Whitewater 1966 710 Rattlers (NJCAA) Barron County (Rice Lake) Eau Claire 1966 535 Blugolds Manitowoc Green Bay 1933 488 Blue Devils Sheboygan Green Bay 1933 439 Wombats Wausau Stevens Point 1933 265 Huskies Baraboo Sauk County Platteville 1968 178 Fighting Spirits (WCSL) Marshfield Stevens Point 1963 156 Marauders (WCSL)

#### Former

Campus Parent campus Founded Closed Final enrollment[5] Nickname Fox Cities (Menasha) Oshkosh 1933 2025 424 Cyclones (WCC) Marinette Green Bay 1935 2025 213 Buccaneers Waukesha Milwaukee 1966 2025 589 Panthers Richland (Richland Center) Platteville 1967 2023 60 Roadrunners Fond du Lac Oshkosh 1968 2024 252 Falcons (WCC) Washington County (West Bend) Milwaukee 1968 2024 285 Wildcats Medford Stevens Point 1968 1980 90[20] (WCC)[21]

## Branding

Since the 1971 union of the universities and colleges under the University of Wisconsin System name, there has been a controversy over the arrangement. The name "University of Wisconsin" is often used to refer to the Madison campus, which has made it difficult for other institutions to make names for themselves. Conversely, many who are connected to UW–Madison have claimed that having so many institutions share the "University of Wisconsin" title has caused a form of [brand dilution](/source/Brand_dilution).[22]

In 2006 and 2009, the students at UW–Milwaukee (UWM) voted on whether the school should change its name to something that did not carry the UW name (such as Wisconsin State University or University of Milwaukee). In both cases, a [plurality](/source/Plurality_(voting)) of students voted to retain the name "University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee," but over 50% were in favor of a different name.[23] Since 2004, the UWM athletic department has simply referred to the school's athletic teams as the [Milwaukee Panthers](/source/Milwaukee_Panthers). UW–Green Bay has since done the same and are officially the [Green Bay Phoenix](/source/Green_Bay_Phoenix). Most other UW system programs are commonly referred to by just the city name as they all play in the same conference, the [Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference](/source/Wisconsin_Intercollegiate_Athletic_Conference) (WIAC), making the "UW" redundant. The exceptions are UW–Parkside, who plays in the Division II [Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference](/source/Great_Lakes_Intercollegiate_Athletic_Conference) and is most often referred to as simply "Parkside", and UW-Superior, who plays most athletics in the [Upper Midwest Athletic Conference](/source/Upper_Midwest_Athletic_Conference), who go by UWS or Wisconsin–Superior.[24]

In October 2023, system president Jay Rothman announced that the system would be rebranded as "Universities of Wisconsin", adopting a new logo and color scheme. The legal name of the system would remain unchanged.[25]

## Presidents

The following people have served as president of the University of Wisconsin System:[26][27]

No. President Term start Term end Refs. 1 John C. Weaver October 12, 1971 June 30, 1977 2 H. Edwin Young July 1, 1977 January 31, 1980 3 Robert M. O’Neil February 1, 1980 August 31, 1985 acting Katharine C. Lyall September 1, 1985 January 31, 1986 4 Kenneth A. Shaw February 1, 1986 July 31, 1991 acting Katharine C. Lyall August 31, 1991 March 31, 1992 5 April 1, 1992 August 31, 2004 [28] 6 Kevin P. Reilly September 1, 2004 December 31, 2013 [29][30] interim Richard J. Telfer January 1, 2014 February 14, 2014 [31] 7 Raymond W. Cross February 15, 2014 June 30, 2020 [32][33] interim Tommy G. Thompson July 1, 2020 February 11, 2022 [34] 8 February 11, 2022 March 18, 2022 [35] interim Michael J. Falbo March 19, 2022 May 31 2022 [36] 9 Jay O. Rothman June 1, 2022 April 7, 2026 [37][38] acting executive- in-charge Chris Patton April 7, 2026 May 17, 2026 [39] interim Renée M. Wachter May 18, 2026 Present [40]

## See also

- [List of state and territorial universities in the United States](/source/List_of_state_and_territorial_universities_in_the_United_States)
- [University of Wisconsin Credit Union](/source/University_of_Wisconsin_Credit_Union)
- [Wisconsin Technical College System](/source/Wisconsin_Technical_College_System)

## References

1. Goldbeck, Madison; Carter, Dylan Hunter; Mackar, Mariam (December 28, 2023). ["UW-La Crosse chancellor fired over pornography scandal considering litigation"](https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/uw-la-crosse-chancellor-fired-over-pornography-scandal-considering-litigation). [WTMJ-TV](/source/WTMJ-TV). Retrieved December 31, 2023.

1. Prouty, Aly (October 10, 2023). ["UW System gets a rebrand as the Universities of Wisconsin"](https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2023/10/10/uw-system-universities-of-wisconsin-name-change). [Spectrum News 1](/source/Spectrum_News#Spectrum_News_1_(Wisconsin)). Retrieved December 31, 2023.

1. ["Rothman unveils new Universities of Wisconsin identity to represent 13 universities"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/rothman-unveils-new-universities-of-wisconsin-identity-to-represent-13-universities/). University of Wisconsin System. October 10, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2025. the University of Wisconsin System will remain the official legal name of the state's public universities.

1. ["U.S. and Canadian 2025 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2025 Endowment Market Value"](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2025-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL.xlsx) (XLSX). National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). Retrieved February 15, 2026.

1. ["Enrollments"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/education-reports-statistics/enrollments/). University of Wisconsin System. June 30, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2023.

1. ["2009-11 285 UWS Executive Budget: University of Wisconsin System"](https://doa.wi.gov/budget/SBO/2009-11%20285%20UWS%20Executive%20Budget.pdf). *State of Wisconsin Department of Administration*. Retrieved May 31, 2025.

1. ["Faculty & Staff"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/accountability/faculty-and-staff/). *Universities of Wisconsin*. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

1. ["Wisconsin merger plan stokes controversy, but some see upside"](https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/10/13/wisconsin-merger-plan-stokes-controversy-some-see-upside). *Inside Higher Ed*. Retrieved October 21, 2017.

1. Kremer, Rich (April 25, 2024). ["UW to vacate Richland campus 1 year after college classes ended"](https://www.wpr.org/news/uw-vacate-richland-campus-college-classes-ended). *WPR*. Retrieved March 6, 2025.

1. Kremer, Rich (November 22, 2022). ["In-person classes ended at UW-Platteville Richland campus July 1"](https://www.wpr.org/uw-platteville-richland-campus-july-1-close-in-person). *[Wisconsin Public Radio](/source/Wisconsin_Public_Radio)*. Retrieved November 22, 2022.

1. ["UW-Oshkosh to shut down Fox Cities campus amid enrollment plunge"](https://apnews.com/article/uw-wisconsin-oshkosh-closing-81c25ab9b12226e45758095c20a9897d). *AP News*. June 13, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2025.

1. John Stott (January 1, 2003). ["University of Wisconsin System Overview"](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/informational_papers/january_2003/0036_university_of_wisconsin_system_overview_informational_paper_36.pdf). Retrieved March 30, 2025.

1. [History and Organization of the University of Wisconsin System](http://www.wisconsin.edu/about/history.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070202182105/http://www.wisconsin.edu/about/history.htm) February 2, 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on February 18, 2007.

1. ["UW System will propose merging two- and four-year campuses to cut costs, raise graduation numbers"](http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2017/10/10/uw-system-propose-merging-two-and-four-year-campuses-cut-costs-raise-graduation-numbers/751622001/). *[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel](/source/Milwaukee_Journal_Sentinel)*. Retrieved October 21, 2017.

1. ["UW Regents Approve Merging System Campuses"](https://www.wpr.org/uw-regents-approve-merging-system-campuses). *[Wisconsin Public Radio](/source/Wisconsin_Public_Radio)*. November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.

1. ["Enrollments"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/education-reports-statistics/enrollments/). *Universities of Wisconsin Education Reports & Statistics*. June 30, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2025.

1. As of June 30, 2021. ["U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY21 to FY22"](https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/research/2022-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--FINAL.ashx?la=en&hash=362DC3F9BDEB1DF0C22B05D544AD24D1C44E318D). National Association of College and University Business Officers and Commonfund Institute. 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2023.

1. ["Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings"](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-midwest?_sort=rank&_sortDirection=asc). *U.S. News & World Report*. 2026. Retrieved October 21, 2025.

1. ["Wisconsin Institutions"](https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institutions/). *[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education](/source/Carnegie_Classification_of_Institutions_of_Higher_Education)*. Retrieved October 17, 2023.

1. Meyerhofer, Kelly (February 28, 2020). ["18 months into UW merger, small, rural campuses still struggling to find students"](https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/18-months-into-uw-merger-small-rural-campuses-still-struggling-to-find-students/article_49d31545-7aee-5432-8e5f-a761c0ada14a.html). *Wisconsin State Journal*. Retrieved March 5, 2025.

1. ["Medford Center, University of Wisconsin Catalog 1972 - 1974"](https://www.uww.edu/documents/registrar/Catalogs/UW-Rock%20County/1972-1974%20Colleges%20Course%20Catalog%20%28Medford%29.pdf)

1. Klotsche, J. Martin. *The University of Wisconsin–-Milwaukee: An Urban University*, pp. 1–40.

1. Jones, Meg. [Referendum "UWM students rebuff change: New names such as Wisconsin State University fail in referendum"](http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419946) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070929124320/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419946) September 29, 2007 at the Wayback Machine, *[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel](/source/Milwaukee_Journal_Sentinel)*, April 30, 2006.

1. ["University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics - Official Athletics Website"](https://uwsyellowjackets.com/). *University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics*

1. Wethal, Kimberly (October 11, 2023). ["'UW System' no more; Wisconsin is rebranding its collection of 13 universities"](https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/uw-system-universities-new-name/article_0c003876-679d-11ee-a1ef-1b1238783aa0.html). *Wisconsin State Journal*. Retrieved October 17, 2023.

1. ["Presidents of the UW System"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/about/presidents-of-the-uw-system/). University of Wisconsin System.

1. ["Presidents of the University of Wisconsin System"](https://www.library.wisc.edu/archives/exhibits/campus-history-projects/chancellors-and-presidents-of-the-university-of-wisconsin-madison/presidents-of-the-university-of-wisconsin-system/). University of Wisconsin Madison.

1. ["UW System President Katharine Lyall Announces Retirement"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-system-president-katharine-lyall-announces-retirement/). University of Wisconsin System. February 4, 2004.

1. ["Regent committee recommends Kevin Reilly as next University of Wisconsin System president"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/regent-committee-recommends-kevin-reilly-as-next-university-of-wisconsin-system-president/). University of Wisconsin System. July 26, 2004.

1. Knutson, Käri (July 30, 2013). ["Reilly announces departure as UW System president"](https://news.wisc.edu/reilly-announces-departure-as-uw-system-president/). University of Wisconsin Madison.

1. ["Telfer to serve as interim UW System President"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/telfer-to-serve-as-interim-uw-system-president/). University of Wisconsin System. October 16, 2013.

1. ["Raymond W. Cross appointed UW System president"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/raymond-w-cross-appointed-uw-system-president/). University of Wisconsin System. January 9, 2014.

1. ["UW System President Cross announces plans to retire"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-system-president-cross-announces-plans-to-retire/). University of Wisconsin System. October 25, 2019.

1. ["Former Governor Tommy G. Thompson to serve as UW System Interim President"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/former-governor-tommy-g-thompson-to-serve-as-uw-system-interim-president/). University of Wisconsin System. June 19, 2020.

1. ["In farewell address, President Tommy Thompson recounts shared accomplishments (day 2 news summary)"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/in-farewell-address-president-tommy-thompson-recounts-shared-accomplishments-day-2-news-summary/). University of Wisconsin System. February 11, 2022. In recognition of Thompson’s significant contributions during his time in office, the Board voted unanimously Friday to remove the “interim” designation on his title, making Thompson officially the eighth UW System president.

1. ["University Committee Meeting Minutes 2022-03-07"](https://kb.wisc.edu/sof/117541). University of Wisconsin Madison. March 7, 2022.

1. ["UW System Board of Regents selects Jay O. Rothman as next System President"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-system-board-of-regents-selects-jay-o-rothman-as-next-system-president/). University of Wisconsin System. January 21, 2022.

1. Lehr, Sarah (2026-04-07). ["Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents fires President Jay Rothman"](https://www.wpr.org/news/uw-universities-wisconsin-board-regents-fires-president-jay-rothman). *[Wisconsin Public Radio](/source/Wisconsin_Public_Radio)*. Retrieved 2026-04-08.

1. ["Board of Regents announces leadership transition"](https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/board-of-regents-announces-leadership-transition/). University of Wisconsin System. April 7, 2026.

1. ["UW-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter appointed interim president of Universities of Wisconsin"](https://uwsuper.edu/about/news/uw-superior-chancellor-renee-wachter-appointed-interim-president-of-universities-of-wisconsin/). University of Wisconsin-Superior. May 8, 2026.

## External links

1. Since 2023, the system has marketed itself as "**Universities of Wisconsin**", while leaving its legal name as University of Wisconsin System.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [University of Wisconsin System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Wisconsin_System) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Wisconsin_System?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.