USA09 March, 20263 min read
Ohio State President Resigns Over Inappropriate Relationship
Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. disclosed an inappropriate relationship with a woman seeking public resources He resigned and the university Board of Trustees accepted his resignation effective immediately
Ohio State resignation details
Ohio State University President Ted Carter resigned after informing the board of trustees that he had an "inappropriate relationship," a disclosure that prompted the board to accept his resignation. The Columbus Dispatch reported that "Ohio State University President Ted Carter has resigned after telling the board of trustees he had an inappropriate relationship." USA TODAY noted Carter "resigned after telling the Board of Trustees he had an 'inappropriate relationship' with someone who was seeking public resources to support her personal business."
“Ohio State University President Ted Carter has resigned after telling the board of trustees he had an inappropriate relationship.”
The Associated Press summarized that "Ohio State University president Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr., 66, resigned abruptly over the weekend after disclosing an 'inappropriate relationship' with a woman who had sought public resources for her personal business, the university said." The New York Times similarly reported that Carter "resigned after telling trustees he had an 'inappropriate relationship' with 'someone seeking public resources' and admitting he 'made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership to support her personal business.'"
Resignation and inquiry coverage
Trustees say they learned of the matter from an outside source and confronted Carter in a private session before accepting his resignation. The university has opened an inquiry into possible misuse of public resources. The Columbus Dispatch reported that trustees learned from an unnamed source and confronted Carter during a three-hour executive session on March 7, after which he disclosed the relationship and offered to resign and the board accepted.
The New York Times said trustees were alerted by a person outside the university and that it will investigate potential misuse of public resources. The Associated Press wrote that Board Chair John Zeiger accepted the resignation in a letter dated Sunday following a private trustees’ session, and that trustees said they were "surprised and disappointed." SFGATE referenced AP reporting that Carter resigned after an investigation into an "inappropriate relationship."
OSU leadership scrutiny
Carter’s departure comes amid scrutiny over his compensation and a short tenure at the university. The Columbus Dispatch reported trustees had recently praised Carter’s leadership and approved a 4.5% raise and a $398,475 bonus last year. The Associated Press said the board had recently rewarded Carter with a merit raise of more than $50,000, a nearly $400,000 bonus and that he earned a $1.1 million annual salary.
“Trustees had recently praised Carter’s leadership and approved a 4.5% raise and a $398,475 bonus last year.”
USA TODAY noted that Carter began leading OSU in 2024 and leaves after about two years, tying the shortest presidential tenure in recent OSU history. The New York Times added that part of the inquiry includes a business filing for Vetearnusa L.L.C., which is registered to podcaster Krisanthe Vlachos, and that the university declined to provide further details.
Reactions to OSU departure
Local officials and university leaders reacted with surprise and emphasized continuity for the campus amid other controversies. USA TODAY reported that Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther stressed OSU’s importance to the city and region and said the city will continue working with the university to ensure campus safety and advance projects like the new medical center. USA TODAY reported that Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin expressed support for students and faculty and urged continuation of programs such as the Buckeye Bridge initiative to expand access to higher education.
USA TODAY also noted Carter’s departure comes amid other campus controversies, including calls to remove alumnus and major donor Les Wexner’s name from facilities following revelations tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner’s spokesperson declined to comment. The Associated Press recorded trustees’ own reaction that they were 'surprised and disappointed'.
Investigation into university resources
University officials say they will investigate whether public resources were misused and plan to announce a transition plan soon. The Columbus Dispatch reported the school will investigate whether public resources were misused and said the woman was reportedly from outside the university while the university would not clarify whether the relationship was romantic. The Columbus Dispatch also quoted the board as saying it takes the matter seriously and will announce a transition plan soon.
“Ohio State University president Ted Carter resigned after an investigation into an ‘inappropriate relationship’ that he had reported, the Associated Press reported.”
The New York Times reiterated that it will investigate potential misuse of public resources. The Associated Press summarized that the school is investigating the matter. SFGATE referenced AP’s reporting on the investigation.
