Ohio State students react to Ted Carter's resignation as president

Описание: Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. resigned on Monday after disclosing “an inappropriate relationship” with someone seeking public resources for their private business.

Carter submitted his resignation letter to The Ohio State University Board of Trustees on Saturday. Chairman John Zeiger accepted the resignation the following day.

"The Board was surprised and disappointed to learn of this matter and takes the situation and its potential impact on the university very seriously. We respect your decision and appreciate your cooperation in supporting an orderly leadership transition," Zeiger wrote in his response to Carter.

Ohio State Spokesperson Ben Johnson said someone from outside the university came directly to the board about the relationship in recent days. When the board confronted Carter about the relationship, he offered to resign.

The board held an executive session on Saturday, but Johnson did not say if it was about Carter, who did not attend the meeting. He did say the person who approached the board did so before Saturday’s meeting.

Johnson said the university will investigate potential concerns regarding public resources. Johnson said he does not believe the Ohio State University Police Department is involved.

The board is finalizing a transition plan and Johnson expects more details to be released in the coming days. It’s unclear if there will be an interim president.

Carter was selected as Ohio State's 17th president in 2023, succeeding Kristina Johnson, who resigned in November 2022. He started his position on Jan. 1, 2024.

Before coming to Ohio State, Carter served as president of the University of Nebraska System, where he oversaw four campuses of nearly 70,000 students, faculty and staff.

You can read Carter’s statement below:

“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.

“I believe we have made much progress during my time at Ohio State, and I’m sorry I’m not able to remain your president longer. The students, faculty and staff at this university are among the very best in the world, and the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan has Ohio State poised to succeed for years to come.

“I have enjoyed a strong working relationship with the board of trustees, and I’m grateful for their support and guidance.

“Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community. It has been an honor to serve as this university’s 17th president, and we wish the university ongoing success.”