Gov. Tony Evers announced the appointment of three new members to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on Thursday, filling vacancies created by Regents whose terms expired that day.
The new appointees are business coach Tom Pazewicz, educator Linda Terwilliger and UW-Eau Claire student Noah Fritz.
Evers did not follow the recommendations of the Wisconsin chapter of the American Federation of Teachers who endorsed Greg Jones, president of NAACP Dane County, and Michael Rosen, a former Milwaukee Area Technical College economics instructor and AFT local president, to fill the two non-student vacancies.
“We are in a make-or-break moment for our UW System and institutions of higher education across the state,” Evers said in a statement. “These appointments come at a critical juncture as we continue to advocate for strengthening and investing in our UW System.”
The appointments come as the UW System faces challenges including state and federal budget constraints, campus closures and debates over diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Evers emphasized the importance of the Regents in guiding the system through these issues.
“I’m excited about the individuals joining the board today, who bring a wealth of different expertise and perspectives to the Regents at an important time,” Evers said.
Palzewicz, a Navy veteran and business coach, fills the seat previously held by Regent Héctor Colón. He attended UW-Milwaukee after his military service and has worked in risk management for regional banks.
Terwilliger, an educator with decades of experience, replaces Regent Cris Peterson, the last of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s appointees. She began her teaching career in Wausau after completing a master’s program at UW-Madison. She taught at UW-Stevens Point and Wausau East High School, focusing on International Baccalaureate English.
Fritz, a student at UW-Eau Claire, assumes the student Regent position previously held by Regent Jennifer Jenkins. He is pursuing a degree in political science and has been active in student government and campus organizations.
All three appointees will serve seven-year terms ending May 1, 2032.
Alaina Walsh is the associate news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She has covered breaking, city, state and campus news.
