(The Center Square) – There will soon be a new president at the University of Wisconsin.
University regents recently announced they have hired Tonjanita Johnson as the school's new president.
Johnson comes to the UW from the University of Alabama, where she served as the senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. She replaces Jay Rothman who was forced out in April.
"Public higher education has the power to improve lives, strengthen communities and shape a state’s future," Johnson said in a statement. "I look forward to working with our chancellors, faculty, staff, students, elected leaders and partners across Wisconsin to ensure that our universities remain engines of opportunity, innovation and economic vitality."
The university did not say how much Johnson will be paid, but Rothman was making $600,000 a year as UW president.
Johnson will start as university president early next year. She will assume control of a university system that is facing some serious challenges.
The UW, also on Friday, released its official enrollment numbers for the new school year.
"Overall enrollment totaled 164,579 in fall 2026, according to 10th day enrollment figures, a decrease of 1,233 students, or 0.7%, from fall 2025," the university said in a statement.
UW-Madison continues to lead the UW system with more than 50,000 students. But enrollment at most other campuses was flat or down this fall.
Seven of the UW’s campuses have fewer than 10,000 students. Two of them have fewer than 5,000 students. UW-Superior has 3,000 students.
The University of Wisconsin also continues to deal with rising tuition. Regents voted earlier this year to raise tuition at all 13 campuses.
Republicans in the state legislature have also battled with the university for a year over UW budgets and campus wokeness. The situation at the statehouse, however, could be different for Johnson.
Democrats in Wisconsin hope to take control of the state legislature in Tuesday's elections.