The Abrupt Exit of Ohio State University's President Ted Carter

Walter "Ted" Carter Jr., the 17th president of The Ohio State University (OSU), resigned suddenly over the weekend of March 7-9, 2026, marking a significant leadership crisis at one of America's largest public universities. Carter, who had served just over two years since taking office in January 2024, disclosed to the Board of Trustees that he had engaged in an "inappropriate relationship" with an individual outside the university who was seeking public resources to advance her personal business interests. This self-reported admission came after an anonymous tip prompted board inquiries, leading to his immediate offer to step down, which the trustees accepted unanimously.

The news stunned the OSU community, coming amid ongoing challenges like protests over donor ties and historical abuse scandals. Carter's departure highlights vulnerabilities in higher education leadership, where ethical lapses can destabilize institutions overnight. Board Chair John W. Zeiger expressed surprise and disappointment but commended Carter's cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition. As investigations into potential misuse of state funds proceed, the focus shifts to stabilizing operations at this flagship land-grant university serving over 68,000 students across its Columbus and regional campuses.

Details Surrounding the Inappropriate Relationship

The precise nature of the relationship remains undisclosed, but university statements clarify that the woman involved was not an OSU employee. She reportedly sought access to state or public resources—potentially including facilities, funding, or leadership introductions—to support her private venture, speculated in media reports to involve a podcast. Carter acknowledged "making a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership," suggesting the entanglement may have blurred professional boundaries and risked conflicts of interest.

An internal investigation, announced by spokesperson Ben Johnson, will examine any improper use of taxpayer-supported assets. This echoes broader concerns in higher education about presidents leveraging institutional power for personal or external gains. No criminal charges have been filed, and Carter's 45-year marriage and $1.5 million annual compensation package have fueled public scrutiny. During his tenure, Carter received salary raises, including a 4.5% increase to $1,189,733 base pay plus bonuses totaling over $4.6 million in three years, underscoring the high stakes of such positions.

Ted Carter's Background and Accomplishments at OSU

A retired U.S. Navy vice admiral, Ted Carter brought a military discipline to OSU after leading the U.S. Naval Academy and serving as University of Nebraska president. Appointed in 2023 with a $1.1 million starting salary, he focused on operational efficiency, research expansion, and athletic prominence for the Buckeyes. Key achievements included navigating budget pressures, enhancing enrollment strategies, and fostering partnerships amid Big Ten Conference expansions.

Despite praise for his leadership style, Carter's short tenure—cut even shorter—reflects a pattern of instability. OSU has cycled through three presidents since 2020, mirroring national trends where average presidential tenures have dropped below six years. Faculty leaders like Jennifer Tisone Price of the American Association of University Professors' Ohio conference emphasized the need for transparent hiring processes honoring shared governance to prevent future disruptions.

Board of Trustees' Response and Ongoing Investigation

The OSU Board of Trustees convened an emergency executive session on March 7, confronting Carter post-tip-off. Their swift acceptance of his resignation prioritized continuity, with Zeiger noting the board's serious view of potential impacts. No interim leader was needed due to rapid succession planning.

The forthcoming probe will scrutinize resource allocation, vital as OSU receives substantial state funding. This incident amplifies calls for robust ethics training and oversight in university governance, especially at R1 research powerhouses like OSU, where endowments exceed $7 billion and annual budgets top $9 billion. Stakeholders urge full transparency to rebuild trust.

Swift Appointment of Ravi V. Bellamkonda as 18th President

In a remarkable turnaround, the board unanimously appointed Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda as OSU's 18th president on March 12, 2026—effective immediately. This internal promotion avoided a protracted search, signaling confidence in his readiness. Bellamkonda, who joined as provost in January 2025, steps up amid crisis, inheriting Carter's cabinet role and strategic momentum. For more on the official announcement, visit OSU News.

Photo by Jacob Bowman on Unsplash

Profile of New President Ravi V. Bellamkonda

An Indian-American biomedical engineer and neuroscientist, Bellamkonda (born 1968) earned his PhD from Brown University and completed postdoctoral work at MIT. His career spans Case Western Reserve, Georgia Tech/Emory, Duke (Vinik Dean of Engineering), and Emory (provost). At OSU, he oversees 15 colleges, four regional campuses, and initiatives like the Career Center of Excellence.

Renowned for brain tumor innovations—earning NIH awards and FDA breakthrough status for his 'tumor monorail' device—Bellamkonda holds 11 patents and fellowships in AAAS, NAI, and more. As provost, he advanced the Education for Citizenship 2035 plan, launching AI Fluency to embed artificial intelligence (AI)—defined here as machine learning systems mimicking human cognition—into undergraduate curricula, preparing 60,000+ students for tech-driven futures. Details on his work appear in Inside Higher Ed coverage.

Reactions from Faculty, Students, and Stakeholders

Faculty Senate leaders hailed Bellamkonda's collaborative style, with Secretary Jared Gardner and Chair Valarie Williams praising his academic commitment. Trustees Phillip Popovich and Eric Bielefeld anticipate continued progress. Students, via trustee Kendall C. Buchan, value his people-focused approach.

• Positive on AI and hiring initiatives boosting faculty recruitment.
• Concern over Carter's exit renewing Wexner-related protests (demanding removal of donor names tied to Jeffrey Epstein).
• Strauss scandal survivors' unresolved demands for accountability.

Broader Ohio leaders express support, viewing stability as key to economic impact.

Presidential Turnover Trends in Higher Education

OSU's crisis exemplifies national woes: 2025 saw 20-30% higher turnover, with over 100 major institutions affected per industry reports. Average tenures shrank to 5.5 years in Big Ten schools since 2000. Factors include political pressures, DEI debates, financial strains (e.g., Moody's 3.5% revenue growth forecast for 2026), and ethics lapses like Michigan's 2022 president firing over a subordinate affair.

Examples abound: 29 presidents ousted for sexual misconduct since 2018. Solutions demand stronger vetting, ethics codes, and shared governance.

Impacts on OSU's Academics, Research, and Athletics

Short-term: Minimal academic disruption, as provost continuity aids. Research thrives via Bellamkonda's expertise, with AI Fluency positioning OSU as leader—enrolling first patients in glioblastoma trials.

Athletics, generating $200M+, remains insulated but sensitive to scandals.

Challenges Ahead: Wexner, Strauss, and Governance Reforms

OSU grapples with 300+ requests to delist donor Les Wexner amid Epstein links, plus Richard Strauss abuse legacy (hundreds sued). Bellamkonda must balance transparency, funding, and culture. Proposed reforms: Mandatory ethics training, conflict disclosures, diverse boards.

Photo by Jacob Bowman on Unsplash

Future Outlook Under Bellamkonda's Leadership

Bellamkonda envisions "excellence at scale," transforming Ohio via AI, research, and citizenship education. His contract offers higher salary/benefits, signaling investment. With relentless pursuit, OSU can emerge stronger, modeling resilient higher education governance.

Actionable insights for leaders: Prioritize ethics audits, foster inclusivity, integrate emerging tech step-by-step—from curriculum pilots to workforce partnerships.

Lessons for Higher Education Institutions Nationwide

This crisis underscores ethics' primacy. Institutions should:

• Implement AI-driven compliance monitoring.
• Enhance shared governance in hires.
• Build crisis playbooks for 72-hour transitions.
• Promote work-life boundaries for executives.

OSU's pivot offers hope: Internal talent, swift action preserve momentum in turbulent times.