A conservative University of Wisconsin regent, appointed by former Gov. Scott Walker in May 2017, has declared that he will not vacate his position when his seven-year term concludes this month. The regent, along with another remaining appointee, has been at the center of a recent controversy surrounding political appointments within the UW system.
In an email addressed to key university officials, the regent stated his intention to remain in his role until he voluntarily resigns or a successor is confirmed by the state Senate. This decision comes in the wake of a 2022 state Supreme Court ruling that allows political appointees to stay in their positions until a replacement is officially approved.
Despite the lack of an announcement regarding his successor by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, the regent has chosen to extend his tenure, citing a desire to facilitate communication between legislators and the Board of Regents.
Furthermore, the regent expressed concerns over the UW system's financial reporting practices and criticized certain studies that suggest attending a UW school leads to higher earnings for graduates. He also raised questions about the enforcement of the system's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, specifically inquiring about the number of faculty and staff who may have departed due to non-compliance.
While the regent's decision has sparked debate within the university community, his actions align with the legal precedent established by the state Supreme Court. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders await further developments regarding the regent's ongoing tenure and the broader implications for the UW system.
