In a statement, Evers said the conduct fell short of the standards he expects from the regents he appoints.

“It is my expectation that UW Regents I appoint behave themselves with decency and decorum, and that they treat people with dignity and respect at all times,” Evers said. “Unfortunately, today, a regent failed to uphold that basic standard.”

The governor’s term ends in January. Evers said he intends to let Gov.-elect David Crowley appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Nixon’s term, which runs through May 2031.

The removal is effective immediately, according to the governor’s office. No further details about the reported altercation were released, and it was not immediately clear whether Nixon would comment.

The UW System Board of Regents oversees the state’s public universities and colleges, setting policy on tuition, academic programs and campus operations. Regents are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

The decision comes as Evers prepares to leave office and Crowley prepares to take over. By deferring the appointment to Crowley, Evers leaves the choice of Nixon’s successor to the incoming governor, who will have the opportunity to shape the board early in his term.

Evers’ statement emphasized that regents are expected to maintain professional conduct in their dealings with staff and the public. The governor did not elaborate on what specifically occurred, but his office said the reports involved staff members supporting an official UW meeting.

The firing is a rare public rebuke of a regent by a sitting governor. It also underscores the heightened scrutiny on workplace conduct and accountability at Wisconsin’s public institutions.

Nixon’s removal leaves a vacancy on the board until Crowley names a replacement. The appointee would serve until May 2031, the remainder of Nixon’s term.

A spokesperson for Crowley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.