Politics
Evers Removes UW Regent Timothy Nixon After Staff Altercation, Hands Replacement to Governor-Elect Crowley
Gov. Tony Evers fired University of Wisconsin System Regent Timothy Nixon on Friday following reports of an altercation with staff supporting an official UW meeting, saying regents must treat people with dignity and respect. Evers will let Governor-elect David Crowley name a replacement whose term runs through May 2031.
MADISON, Wis. â Gov. Tony Evers removed University of Wisconsin System Regent Timothy Nixon on Friday, citing reports that Nixon was involved in an altercation with staff who were providing support for an official UW meeting.
The governor announced the dismissal in a statement, framing it as a matter of basic conduct for the people he appoints to oversee the state's public universities.
"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."
Evers said he will allow Governor-elect David Crowley to appoint Nixon's replacement. The new regent's term will end in May 2031, according to the governor's office.
The Board of Regents' top two officers, President Kyle Weatherly and Vice President Ashok Rai, issued a statement backing the governor's decision and emphasizing the standards expected of board members.
"Serving on the Board of Regents is a privilege that carries significant responsibility," the two wrote. "We support the Governor's action and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful environment for everyone who serves and supports the Universities of Wisconsin."
The removal is a rare public rupture on a board that sets policy and oversees leadership for the UW System's campuses, including UW-Madison. Regents are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, and they hold authority over tuition, academic programs and the system's president.
Details of the altercation â including when and where it occurred and who was involved â were not immediately disclosed. It was not clear whether any further review or investigation is underway.
By deferring the appointment to Crowley, who won the governor's race this fall and takes office in January, Evers leaves the seat to the incoming administration at a time when the board is likely to face decisions on funding, enrollment and campus staffing. The appointment will shape the board's balance through the middle of the next decade.