Finalists Named In UW System President Search

The committee tasked with finding a new UW System president has selected two finalists.

They are Jay Rothman, who’s been chair and CEO of law firm Foley & Lardner since 2011, and UW Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt, who’s held that position since 2013.

Following the retirement of Ray Cross, a search for his successor went off the rails when the lone finalist, University of Alaska System President Jim Johnsen withdrew from consideration.

That, in turn, led to the appointment of former Governor Tommy Thompson as interim President, a role he expects to step away from by mid-March.