The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents unanimously made the decision to terminate the employment of UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow during a closed-door meeting on Wednesday. The decision came after the discovery of explicit videos featuring Gow and his wife, Carmen Wilson, posted on adult content websites under the account name “Sexy Happy Couple.”
Gow, 63, and Wilson had also authored two books chronicling their experiences in the adult film industry using pseudonyms. Both the books and associated social media accounts featured unmistakable images of Gow and Wilson. The UW System President, Jay Rothman, expressed concern about the reputational harm caused by Gow’s actions, describing them as “abhorrent.”
UW Board of Regents President Karen Walsh criticized Gow’s “reckless disregard” for his leadership role at UW-La Crosse, emphasizing that his actions were entirely inconsistent with the responsibilities of a chancellor. The decision to terminate Gow’s employment was met with alarm and disgust by the board, reflecting the severity of the situation.
Gow defended his actions, citing his right to free speech under the First Amendment and asserting that the content creation fell within his personal rights. He argued that the videos did not mention the University of Wisconsin or his position as chancellor, and any association between the explicit content and his professional role was left to others to make. Furthermore, Gow contended that no university resources were utilized in the creation of the content, and the venture was conducted during his personal time.
While Gow questioned whether due process was afforded to him during the termination process, he indicated that he was not given an opportunity to present his case. He expressed disappointment that no one from the UW System or the UW Board of Regents contacted him before the closed-door meeting, which lasted just over three hours.
The statements from UW leaders represented a notable shift in tone from earlier in the year when Gow announced his planned departure at the end of the 2023-24 school year. At that time, he received commendation for his tenure and stewardship, with Rothman praising his leadership through challenging times.
Gow’s 2006 contract did not provide explicit details about the termination process. It highlighted his separate appointment as a tenured faculty member and outlined the determination of his new salary in the event of resignation or termination from the chancellorship. While the contract mentioned a six-month notice of termination, Gow’s transition to a faculty role on paid administrative leave was announced.
Rothman revealed plans to file a complaint with the interim chancellor, UW-La Crosse Provost Betsy Morgan, requesting a review of Gow’s tenured faculty status. An external law firm has also been engaged to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Carmen Wilson, Gow’s spouse, played a role in the selection committee that appointed him as UW-La Crosse Chancellor. She served as Gow’s chief of staff from 2008 to 2011 and subsequently led UW-Rock County from 2011 to 2016. The couple married in 2014, and Wilson currently holds an unpaid position as “associate to the chancellor” under Gow’s contract, complementing his leadership role at the university.