Evers appoints 3 UW regents, including UWGB alum, UWO student

It’s unclear when or if Nixon will ever take his seat on the board. Atwell has said he will not step down until he chooses to do so or the state Senate chooses a successor.

Evers questioned Atwell’s integrity during a question-and-answer session with reporters following an LGBTQ+ flag raising outside the state Capitol on Friday.

“When we have these games being played with Board of Regents members, that’s a problem,” Evers said. “I know Bob Atwell and as I said before, he is – was – a person of extraordinary integrity. Something happened along the way that caused that not to happen. I do believe at some point in time he’ll decide to get off (the board).”

Atwell didn’t immediately return email and voicemail messages seeking comment Friday.

The Legislature’s two-year session ended this spring, and lawmakers aren’t expected to return to Madison until January. Asked about the prospects of the Senate returning earlier for a confirmation vote, Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu’s office said in a statement that Evers had only just announced the appointment and “it is imperative that appointees demonstrate that they are qualified and will prioritize students’ education.” It did not elaborate.

The state Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that political appointees don’t have to leave their posts until the Senate confirms a successor. The ruling came in a lawsuit Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul filed to force conservative Fred Prehn off the state Natural Resources Board.

Prehn’s term ended in May 2021 but he refused to leave before his replacement, Sandra Naas, won Senate confirmation, extending Republican control of the board. He eventually stepped down of his own accord at the end of 2022, clearing the way for Evers appointees to take majority control of the board in January 2023.

Desmond Adongo

Desmond Adongo is the non-traditional student regent. He attends UW-Oshkosh, where he is double majoring in economics and environmental studies. He also has a certificate in geographic information systems. Before enrolling at UWO, Adongo was a learning and development operations coordinator at Foot Locker Inc.

“I am excited and humbled to be nominated for the non-traditional students’ Board of Regents role,” he said in a statement. “As a non-traditional student, I hope to bring a unique perspective to enhance and prioritize all student experiences on every UW campus regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, administrators, and students to establish, cultivate, and promote a vibrant and meaningful culture where current and future students are endowed with the tools for success.”

Adongo’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the expiration of Jennifer Staton’s term. Adongo’s term ends May 1, 2026.

Jack Salzwedel

The third regent appointed is Jack Salzwedel. He served as chair and CEO of American Family Insurance from 2011-2021. He started with the company in 1985. He earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and biology from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

“Having grown up, lived and worked in the state of Wisconsin for most of my life, I consider it an immense honor and privilege to be selected to serve on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents,” he said in a statement. “This work, while not easy, is very importantand I look forward to serving the university system and all the people affiliated with it for the betterment of our great state.”

Salzwedel’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the expiration of Mike Jones’ term. Salzwedel’s term ends May 1, 2031.