Finalists Outline Visions for Next University of Wisconsin System President

Three finalists vying to become the next president of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities outlined their strategic priorities in Madison on Tuesday, fielding pointed questions from campus and community members regarding artificial intelligence, diversity initiatives, and federal immigration policies. The public forums at UW-Madison’s Memorial Union and UW-Parkside mark a critical juncture for the Universities of Wisconsin as search committee members prepare to forward a recommendation to the Board of Regents, which holds the power of appointment, according to reporting by the Cap Times.

The Candidates and Their Connections to Wisconsin

The presidential search follows the Board of Regents’ decision to fire former leader Jay Rothman in April. Although all three finalists traveled from out-of-state academic systems, each attempted to establish an immediate rapport with the dozens of Wisconsinites in attendance. Bernard Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success at the University of Tennessee System, and Steven Holley, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer at the University of Mississippi, both opened their remarks by cheering, “Go Brewers!”

Meanwhile, Tonjanita Johnson, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the University of Alabama System, shared a decades-old photograph documenting a partnership between her Mississippi alma mater and UW-Platteville. “That experience would become my first personal connection with the Universities of Wisconsin,” Johnson told the audience. Savarese characterized the vacancy as “one of the most important and, I would say, consequential leadership opportunities in the country,” citing the immense scale of the state’s public higher education network.

Three finalists share visions for next Universities of Wisconsin president

Pursuing Partnerships for Financial Sustainability

Balancing budgets while maintaining academic quality dominated much of the Tuesday afternoon session. Holley, a first-generation college student, emphasized the fundamental necessity of financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer and tuition dollars. Beyond strict cost-reduction measures, Holley argued that the system must aggressively pursue alternative revenue streams, including public-private partnerships, to adequately support faculty, staff, and students.

When addressing the relationship between university leadership and state lawmakers, Savarese advocated for collaborating with the next governor to craft a unified statewide higher education plan that bridges the gap between private industry and campus leaders. All three finalists emphasized that listening to campus stakeholders remains vital, even when consensus proves elusive. “Everyone won’t agree on every issue, but I’m hopeful that you will understand how the decision was made and why that decision was made,” Johnson noted.

Managing Artificial Intelligence and Classroom Integration

Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme as candidates detailed how campuses must adapt to rapidly evolving digital tools. Johnson noted that AI will continuously reshape teaching, learning, research, and community service. To manage this disruption responsibly, she explained how the University of Alabama developed an AI Experience module with faculty input.

“We’re not championing AI, and we’re not saying don’t use. It really is about helping people to become more AI literate. It is also understanding the benefits. It’s also understanding the weaknesses,” Johnson said.

Savarese echoed the need for proactive institutional strategy, asserting that the Universities of Wisconsin must tackle the technology head-on to enhance human potential across all campuses. These discussions build upon the broader AI framework previously released under Rothman’s tenure in February.

Core Values, DEI, and Campus Safety

Pressured by a UW-Madison employee regarding whether they worried about intensely challenging negotiations over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) alongside academic freedoms, the candidates offered distinct perspectives. Savarese expressed deep commitment to honoring and respecting all students, faculty, and staff to ensure welcoming learning environments. Johnson called the topics deeply personal while acknowledging the pragmatic boundaries of public institutions.

“At a public institution, I also know that I have certain responsibilities where I have to be focused on our obligations as it relates to the law, and also ensuring that if something is going to negatively impact our students, then I have to make sure that we understand how do we fill that gap for our students,” Johnson explained.

Later in the sessions, a handful of UW-Madison attendees questioned the finalists regarding how they intend to support immigrant and international students, specifically asking if they would prohibit federal immigration agents from entering university properties. The candidates indicated they require time to thoroughly understand Wisconsin-specific policies and concerns. While Johnson committed to ensuring community members understand available resources, Savarese emphasized student safety, and Holley pledged to protect students while strictly adhering to existing laws.