Understanding the Sudden Departure of OSU President Ted Carter

The Ohio State University (OSU), one of the nation's largest public research institutions with over 60,000 students and a $9 billion annual budget, experienced a significant leadership shakeup on March 9, 2026. President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr., who had served for just over two years, resigned abruptly after disclosing an inappropriate relationship. This event has sparked widespread discussion in higher education circles about ethics, governance, and the stability of university leadership.

Carter's exit came after the Board of Trustees accepted his resignation following a confidential executive session. The board described itself as "surprised and disappointed," highlighting the seriousness of the matter. While the university emphasized Carter's contributions, such as advancing the "Education for Citizenship 2035" strategic plan and boosting research expenditures, the scandal has overshadowed these accomplishments.

Ted Carter's Background and Path to OSU Presidency

Walter "Ted" Carter Jr., aged 66 at the time of his resignation, brought a unique military background to academia. A 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy, eventually serving as superintendent of the Naval Academy from 2014 to 2019. He later became president of the United States Naval War College and then the University of Nebraska from 2020 to 2023.

Carter was appointed OSU's 17th president in January 2024, succeeding Kristina M. Johnson, who had a similarly short tenure. His initial salary was substantial, around $1.1 million, with raises bringing it to $1,189,733 by August 2025, including potential bonuses up to $398,475. Notably, Carter lacked a traditional Ph.D., a rarity among university presidents, relying instead on his executive experience in large organizations.

During his time at OSU, Carter focused on strategic initiatives. Research funding grew, national rankings improved, and new scholarship programs were launched. However, his tenure also faced criticism for handling campus protests—41 arrests during 2024 Israel-Hamas demonstrations—and decisions like closing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in March 2025 amid state legislative pressures.

The Nature of the Inappropriate Relationship

At the heart of the controversy is Carter's romantic relationship with Krisanthe Vlachos, a podcaster and military veteran advocate. Vlachos hosts "The Callout," a podcast aimed at connecting veterans with career opportunities, particularly in utilities and advanced manufacturing sectors. University records and eyewitness accounts reveal they were seen together at public events, displaying affection, including a November 2025 dinner with OSU cabinet members, Google executives, and Student Veterans of America (SVA) leaders.

In January 2026, Vlachos introduced Carter at the SVA National Conference in Colorado Springs—an honor typically reserved for student veterans—leading attendees to assume they were married. Carter's wife, Lynda, to whom he had been married since 1982, was absent. Calendar entries released by OSU show over a dozen meetings between Carter and Vlachos from March 2025 to March 2026.

Vlachos sought public resources for her business ventures, including an app linking veterans to jobs. Her company filed paperwork using the address of WOSU Public Media, OSU's public radio and TV station. Carter allegedly leveraged his influence, introducing her to key organizations like JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

Allegations of Misuse of Public Resources

The most concerning aspect involves potential misuse of public funds and facilities. JobsOhio, Ohio's privatized economic development agency, awarded Vlachos a $60,000 grant in 2025 for podcast production, reportedly at Carter's recommendation to engage military audiences. Only one episode featuring Carter, JobsOhio's J.P. Nauseef, and Vlachos was produced, garnering fewer than 4,000 views—mostly post-scandal. Three others were paid for but unfinished, prompting JobsOhio to consider clawing back the funds.

Podcasts were recorded in WOSU studios, raising questions about undue access. While no direct financial loss to OSU has been confirmed, the investigation probes whether Carter granted inappropriate privileges. An anonymous tipster alerted the board, leading to the March 7 executive session where Carter admitted the relationship and offered to resign. The official OSU statement confirms the board's acceptance without additional compensation beyond accrued vacation pay.

Photo by Marcus Ganahl on Unsplash

OSU's Response: Investigation and Leadership Transition

OSU's Office of University Compliance and Integrity launched an investigation immediately, overseen by the Board's Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. As of late March 2026, spokesperson Ben Johnson stated it was "moving as quickly as possible," though no timeline or findings have been released. Calendar notes and public records requests have provided transparency glimpses.

To ensure continuity, the Board appointed Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi Bellamkonda as the 18th president on March 12, 2026—bypassing a national search, the first internal promotion in 100 years. Bellamkonda, a biomedical engineer and neuroscientist formerly at Case Western Reserve University, expressed inspiration from Carter despite the circumstances. Trevor Brown was named interim provost.

Stakeholder Reactions and Broader Campus Impact

Reactions varied. Faculty, via the American Association of University Professors Ohio conference, criticized the rapid turnover—OSU's third president since 2020—and called for shared governance in hiring. Students expressed shock, with some disappointed by the instability. Board Chair John Zeiger reiterated the university's seriousness.

JobsOhio is reviewing its grant, distancing itself. Critics link this to OSU's history of scandals, including the Richard Strauss abuse case (over $60 million in settlements) and Les Wexner-Epstein ties. No evidence of criminality has surfaced, but it underscores ethical vulnerabilities at the top.

Timeline of Key Events

• January 2024: Carter assumes OSU presidency.
• November 2025: Carter and Vlachos attend dinner together publicly.
• 2025: JobsOhio awards $60K podcast grant.
• January 2026: Vlachos introduces Carter at SVA conference.
• Early March 2026: Tipster alerts board.
• March 7, 2026: Executive session; Carter resigns.
• March 9: Resignation announced.
• March 12: Bellamkonda appointed president.
• Ongoing: Investigation continues.

Implications for Higher Education Governance

This incident highlights recurring themes in university leadership: power imbalances, ethical lapses, and rapid turnovers. OSU's instability mirrors trends at other flagships, where presidents average shorter tenures amid political pressures, funding challenges, and social issues. Experts note the need for robust vetting, transparency, and codes of conduct.

Shared governance—faculty, staff, and student input in decisions—is crucial. Bypassing it risks morale dips and talent flight. Institutions must prioritize ethics training for executives, clear conflict-of-interest policies, and whistleblower protections.

Photo by Hakim Menikh on Unsplash

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook for OSU

For aspiring leaders, this serves as a cautionary tale: personal relationships intersecting professional duties can derail careers. Universities should implement step-by-step protocols:

• Define relationships in policies (e.g., no personal ties with grant seekers).
• Mandate disclosures to boards annually.
• Conduct regular audits of resource allocations.
• Foster cultures of accountability.

Under Bellamkonda, OSU aims to stabilize. With strong research momentum and strategic plans intact, recovery is feasible. The investigation's outcome could shape reforms, reinforcing OSU's status as a higher education powerhouse.

As higher ed navigates AI integration, enrollment shifts, and funding squeezes, stable leadership is paramount. OSU's saga reminds all stakeholders of the high stakes involved.

Path Forward: Strengthening Ethical Leadership in Universities

Moving beyond OSU, the scandal prompts industry-wide reflection. Data from the American Council on Education shows presidential turnover rates climbing, with ethics breaches a top factor. Solutions include:

• Comprehensive background checks extending to personal networks.
• Mandatory ethics workshops for cabinets.
• Independent oversight boards.

By prioritizing integrity, universities can attract top talent and sustain missions of education and research. OSU's resilience offers hope, positioning it for renewed excellence. Ongoing coverage will track developments.