Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and UW System Board of Regents Chair Karen Walsh reported Wednesday that the Board of Regents decided to fire University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow. University officials alleged that Gow engaged in conduct that affected the university's reputation.
The board's decision came after it came to light that Gow and his wife recorded adult content that was then posted on an X (formerly Twitter) account and sold on OnlyFans.
"Upon my recommendation, the UW Board of Regents today terminated Dr. Joe Gow from his position as chancellor of UW-La Crosse effective immediately. In recent days, we learned of specific conduct by Dr. Gow that has subjected the university to significant reputational harm. His actions were abhorrent," Jay Rothman wrote in a statement.
Rothman explained that Gow will be placed on paid administrative leave while he transitions to a teaching role at UW-La Crosse. However, Rothman also filed a complaint with Interim Provost Betsy Morgan regarding Gow's status as a tenured faculty member, asking that his status be reviewed.
"In addition, an outside law firm has been engaged to undertake a fulsome investigation of the matter. We anticipate the complaint will be considered in the normal course as dictated by Wis. Admin," Rothman explained.
Meanwhile, Gow confirmed the existence of the videos and, after learning of the board's decision, said he will take legal action. "I’m very concerned that there was no due process around this, and what that entails is having a hearing and I get to know what I’m charged with and I get to reply and make my case. That never happened," Gow said in an interview on WTMJ's Morning News.
I think the board is not upholding, A., The First Amendment, nor is it upholding its own policy on academic freedom
