The recent resignation of The Ohio State University president Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. has sent shockwaves through the higher education community, highlighting critical issues in university leadership ethics and governance. In a stunning development, Carter stepped down abruptly in March 2026 after admitting to an inappropriate relationship that led to the misuse of his position to benefit a personal associate. This scandal, detailed in a comprehensive university investigation released just days ago, underscores the vulnerabilities in top-level decision-making at one of America's largest public universities.

Ohio State University, with over 67,000 students across its campuses, a $9 billion annual budget, and record research expenditures exceeding $1.68 billion in fiscal year 2025, stands as a flagship institution. The fallout from Carter's actions raises questions about accountability, conflict of interest, and the stewardship of public resources in higher education.

Who is Ted Carter? A Distinguished Navy Leader Turned University President

Walter "Ted" Carter Jr., a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral, brought an impressive military background to academia. Over 38 years in the Navy, Carter logged more than 6,300 flight hours, including 125 combat missions. He served as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 2014 to 2019—the longest tenure since the Civil War—and president of the U.S. Naval War College. Before Ohio State, he led the University of Nebraska from 2019 to 2023.

Appointed OSU's 17th president in 2024, Carter's tenure focused on elevating the university's profile. He advanced the "Education for Citizenship 2035" strategic plan, boosted national rankings, expanded scholarships, and grew research funding to new heights. Despite these accomplishments, his leadership ended amid controversy.

The Origins of the Inappropriate Relationship

The relationship began in March 2023 at a Veterans in Energy forum in Washington, D.C., while Carter was still at Nebraska. Krisanthe Vlachos, host of the veteran-focused "The Callout" podcast, approached him to mentor her son entering the Navy and co-host her show. What started as a professional connection evolved into a close personal and romantic relationship, as confirmed by multiple sources and witnesses.

Vlachos, described by staff as persistent and unsophisticated, sought Carter's influence for her business ventures, including podcast production, a veterans app, and career opportunities. Over nearly two years, Carter granted her unprecedented access, issuing a BuckID card used 1,745 times over 95 days and even allowing her to use his university laptop.

Detailed Misuse of Position and Resources

The investigation revealed Carter directed at least 14 university employees to assist Vlachos, spanning internal and external efforts. Internally, he pushed for her employment (resumes forwarded to HR multiple times), podcast support via OSU's marketing team and WOSU studios, campus space for her play production, and help with her app—which staff deemed technologically flawed and without university benefit.

Externally, Carter leveraged OSU's name with JobsOhio (securing a $60,000 grant for her podcast, though only one of four episodes aired), Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Ohio National Guard, Anduril Industries, Stark State College, and Student Veterans of America. He joined the latter's board and hosted meetings, often concealing the personal nature via personal email and spaced-out requests.

• Podcast: OSU Communications filmed episodes; JobsOhio grant under review for clawback.
• Trips: At least five shared travels, including CES in Las Vegas and SVA conference, with some expenses shifted to business justifications.
• Family favors: Recommendation letters for Vlachos's son.

Employees noted discomfort, calling interactions "weird," but power dynamics prevented pushback.

Investigation Findings: Violations and Betrayal of Values

Released April 21, 2026, by OSU's Office of Compliance and Internal Audit, the report—based on 60 interviews—concluded Carter violated university policies and Ohio ethics laws. Key breaches included Ohio Revised Code §§ 2921.42 and 2921.43 on improper influence and conflicts, plus OSU rules on fiscal stewardship, expenditures, and outside activities.

"Carter's actions betrayed Ohio State's shared values," the report stated, prioritizing personal interests. While no direct funds went to Vlachos internally, employee time and credibility were wasted. Senior advisor Chris Kabourek, who facilitated much, resigned in April 2026 for failing to intervene. No further sanctions recommended post-resignation.OSU's summary emphasizes reinforcing ethics training.

Timeline of the Scandal

• March 2023: Carter meets Vlachos at DC forum.
• July 2023-Feb 2024: Employment pushes, app meetings, JobsOhio intro ($60K grant).
• May 2023-Jan 2026: Shared trips (Richmond, Orlando, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs).
• Oct-Dec 2023: Podcast/WOSU support, play space request.
• March 7-9, 2026: Carter discloses to trustees, resigns.
• March 12, 2026: Ravi Bellamkonda appointed president.
• April 21, 2026: Investigation report released.

Leadership Transition: Ravi Bellamkonda Takes Helm

In a swift move bypassing traditional search, trustees named Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda as the 18th president on March 12, 2026. A biomedical engineer from India—the first foreign-born OSU leader—Bellamkonda joined in 2021. His provost role oversaw academics amid research growth.

Critics decried the haste, ignoring shared governance, but supporters praise his internal knowledge for stability. With a $1.4 million salary, Bellamkonda inherits challenges like restoring trust and advancing the strategic plan.

Stakeholder Reactions and Campus Impact

Faculty, via the American Association of University Professors, slammed the opaque transition. Students called Carter "inaccessible." Watchdogs like Common Cause Ohio criticized favoritism in JobsOhio grants. Alumni and donors expressed dismay, amid ongoing Wexner-Epstein scrutiny.

The scandal erodes trust at a time of federal funding pressures and enrollment competition. OSU's economic impact—$19.6 billion annually—amplifies stakes.

Broader Implications for Higher Education Governance

This marks OSU's second mid-term presidential exit; Kristina M. Johnson resigned in 2023 after three years, reportedly at trustees' urging. Recent U.S. scandals—rankings fraud at USC, ethics lapses elsewhere—highlight patterns: power imbalances enable misuse.

Universities must strengthen ethics training, conflict disclosures, and reporting channels. Boards need proactive oversight, avoiding "imperial presidencies."

Lessons Learned: Strengthening Ethics in University Leadership

• Implement mandatory conflict-of-interest audits for executives.
• Empower staff to report via anonymous channels.
• Limit personal associate access to resources.
• Conduct regular leadership ethics simulations.
• Transparent searches for stability.

OSU's report recommends enhanced training and cultural reinforcement—models for peers.

Photo by Rafik Wahba on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Ohio State University

Under Bellamkonda, OSU eyes research dominance (12th nationally), strategic plan execution, and ranking climbs. Rebuilding trust involves transparency. As higher ed faces AI, funding cuts, the scandal tests resilience but offers reform catalyst.

Stakeholders urge focus: student success, innovation, ethical governance. OSU's trajectory remains upward, lessons integrated.