The Universities of Wisconsin system board of regents voted unanimously to fire President Jay O. Rothman after he declined to resign quietly, according to reporting on the decision and follow-up statements. Regents said the action reflected results of Rothman’s annual performance review, while Rothman told the Associated Press he was “blindsided” and has not been given a clear reason for his dismissal. Board leadership framed the move as necessary for “the future” of the 13-campus system, which serves about 165,000 students statewide. Rothman’s removal follows recent board discussions held behind closed doors, and the process drew criticism from at least one state lawmaker ahead of the vote. The controversy also appears to be continuing at the state level. A separate account indicates a top regent defended the firing by testifying that Rothman had been aware of board concerns about his leadership. For campuses, the leadership disruption raises near-term questions about continuity in budgeting, academic planning, and systemwide priorities.