Source: University of Wisconsin Madison
The Universities of Wisconsin Presidential Search Committee has officially named three finalists in its search for the next system president
The Universities of Wisconsin Presidential Search Committee has officially named three finalists in its search for the next system president. The candidates selected to advance in the process are Dr. Steven Gareth Holley, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Mississippi; Dr. Tonjanita L. Johnson, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Alabama System; and Dr. Bernard J. Savarese, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success at the University of Tennessee System.
Board of Regents Vice President Ashok Rai, who chairs the 24-member search committee, expressed confidence in the group of finalists, noting that they bring the necessary leadership, vision, and experience to guide the state’s 13 public universities. Board of Regents President Kyle Weatherly also praised the thorough review process, which incorporated valuable feedback gathered from campus listening sessions to help identify candidates who meet the needs of the system’s diverse constituencies.
Public forums featuring the finalists are scheduled to take place next week, offering community members opportunities to participate either in person or virtually via Zoom. On Monday, events will be hosted at UW-Parkside, beginning at 8 AM. On Tuesday, the forums will move to UW-Madison’s Great Hall in Memorial Union, also beginning at 8 AM.
In addition to the public presentations, candidates will participate in formal interviews with the search committee, campus chancellors, and system administration staff. The public is encouraged to attend the sessions, view livestreams, or watch recorded broadcasts and submit feedback via the 2026 Presidential Search website. Following the interviews and public forums, the search committee will forward its recommendation to the full Board of Regents, which holds final authority on hiring the new president to succeed Interim President Renée Wachter.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
