Alabama vice chancellor chosen to lead Wisconsin's 13 universities

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents unanimously selected Tonjanita "Tonja" L. Johnson to lead the system's 13 public universities. Johnson has served as a senior vice chancellor at the University of Alabama System since 2019. She is expected to start around Jan. 1, 2027, and will become the system's 10th president. She will succeed Jay Rothman, whom the regents dismissed in April. Interim president Renée Wachter will serve until Johnson takes office. Johnson said she aims to strengthen connections across the universities and advance their role in opportunity, innovation and Wisconsin's future. No factual dispute found. Rated coverage in the record is 2 left, 5 center, and 0 right. Johnson is expected to take office around Jan. 1, 2027.