Tommy Thompson stepping down as UW president in March

Tommy Thompson is seen on a 2021 visit to UW-Superior. | Photo: Glenn Kellahan/WDIO-TV, file

SCOTT BAUER, Associated Press
Updated: January 07, 2022 10:29 AM
Created: January 07, 2022 10:29 AM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Interim University of Wisconsin President Tommy Thompson has submitted his letter of resignation effective March 18.

The move that comes as the committee working to name a permanent leader prepared to select finalists for the position.

The 80-year-old former governor took on the job as interim president of the UW System on July 1, 2020. He came on board after a failed search to find a replacement for Ray Cross.

Thompson said in his resignation letter submitted Friday to the Board of Regents that he was honored to hold the position "particularly through what could have been its darkest time."