MADISON, WI — A regent at the conservative University of Wisconsin says he will not resign when his term ends this month.
Then-government Republican Scott Walker appointed Robert Atwell to the board in May 2017. His seven-year term ends this month.
Atwell sent an email Monday to University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, Chancellor Karen Walsh and Chancellor Megan Wasley saying he would not resign until he chooses to do so or until the state Senate confirms a successor.
The state Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that political appointees do not have to leave office until the Senate confirms a replacement. Atwell said in an email that House Speaker Robin Vos reminded him that he can remain in office as regent.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet announced Atwell’s successor.
“I knew Bob Atwell to be a man of high personal integrity,” Evers told The Associated Press on Saturday. “Something has changed.”
UW System spokesman Mark Pitsch did not return a message seeking comment.
Atwell said in an email that she hopes her “interim continuation” as regent will support communication between legislators and regents.
He also complained in an email that the UW system’s financial reporting was weak and took issue with a UW study that concluded the system’s graduates make more money because they attended UW schools. “It is a community organization that helps nurture young people.”
He also complained that no one answered his question about how many faculty and staff members quit or were fired because they ignored the system’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Atwell remains on the board as one of two regents appointed by Walker. The other one is Chris Peterson. Her term expires in May 2025.
