Ohio State's Ted Carter Steps Down Over Inappropriate Relationship Ohio State University President Ted Carter has resigned after disclosing an inappropriate relationship with an individual seeking public resources to support her personal business. The board of trustees accepted his resignation and will soon announce a transition plan. Carter, 66, stepped down after about two years in the role, following a rare three-hour executive session held by the board on March 7. He informed trustees beforehand that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship and offered to resign, which the board accepted. In a letter accepting Carter’s resignation, Ohio State Board of Trustees Chair John Zeiger expressed surprise and disappointment at learning about the matter, emphasizing the board’s serious consideration of its potential impact on the university. Zeiger acknowledged Carter’s decision and appreciated his cooperation in ensuring a smooth leadership transition. The university did not provide further details about the nature of the relationship when asked by The Dispatch. Carter’s tenure at Ohio State, which began in January 2024, was marked by praise from trustees for his steady leadership and advocacy for the university’s land-grant mission. During his time in office, the board approved a 4.5% merit raise, totaling $51,233, bringing his base salary to $1,189,733, along with a $398,475 bonus—approximately 35% of his base pay. In a statement to the campus community on March 9, Carter acknowledged his mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership. He expressed regret for not being able to continue as president and praised the university’s students, faculty, and staff as among the best in the world.#ohio_state_university #ted_carter #john_zeiger #university_of_nebraska_system #board_of_trustees
Ohio State University President to Resign Following Disclosure of Inappropriate Relationship The Ohio State University will soon be led by a new president after the board of trustees accepted the resignation of Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., the institution’s 17th leader. Carter, who assumed the role in January 2024, announced his decision to step down following the disclosure of an “inappropriate relationship” with an individual who sought public resources to support her personal business. In a statement released by the university, Carter acknowledged his mistake, stating, “For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University. I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.” The board confirmed that Carter had voluntarily offered his resignation, citing the nature of the relationship as a critical factor in his decision. Carter’s tenure at Ohio State followed his previous role as president of the University of Nebraska, where he served from 2020 to 2024. Before his academic leadership positions, he served as a former Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. The university’s board expressed appreciation for his contributions during his time in office, noting his efforts to advance the institution’s mission and growth. The board emphasized that it would provide updates on the transition process in the coming days, though specific details about the next president or timeline for the search were not disclosed. Carter’s statement concluded with gratitude for the university community, stating, “Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community.#ohio_state_university #walter_ted_carter_jr #board_of_trustees #university_of_nebraska #us_navy
OSU President Resigns Following Disclosure of Inappropriate Relationship Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. has stepped down from his role after informing university trustees of an inappropriate relationship with an individual seeking public resources to support her personal business. The Board of Trustees accepted Carter’s resignation on March 9, following his disclosure of the relationship and his offer to resign. In a statement, the university acknowledged Carter’s contributions, highlighting his leadership during the past two years, including progress on the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, improved national rankings, increased research funding, and the introduction of new scholarship programs. The institution also credited the leadership team he assembled for elevating Ohio State’s status as a national leader. Carter expressed regret over his decision to resign, stating, “For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University.” He admitted to allowing “inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership” and apologized for not being able to continue in his position. Carter emphasized his pride in the university’s achievements, calling its students, faculty, and staff “among the very best in the world” and expressing confidence in the strategic plan’s ability to secure Ohio State’s future success. The president also thanked the board of trustees for their support, noting, “I have enjoyed a strong working relationship with the board of trustees, and I’m grateful for their support and guidance.” He concluded with a farewell message, stating, “Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community.#ohio_state_university #education_for_citizenship_2035 #osu_president #walter_ted_carter_jr #board_of_trustees
