Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. has resigned from his role after disclosing what the university described as an “inappropriate relationship” with a person seeking public resources to support her personal business.
The resignation was accepted Sunday by the university’s Board of Trustees after a special executive session over the weekend. Carter had served as the university’s 17th president since January 2024.
In a statement, Board of Trustees Chair John Zeiger said the board was “surprised and disappointed” by the situation but accepted Carter’s decision to step down and thanked him for cooperating with a leadership transition.
What led to the resignation
According to the university, Carter informed trustees ahead of the meeting that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with someone who was seeking public resources tied to Ohio State University.
A university spokesperson said the board first learned about the situation from someone outside the university. Officials have not released additional details about the relationship.
Carter offered to resign after disclosing the situation, and the board accepted.
Carter’s statement
In a message to the university community, Carter said he made a mistake.
“For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University,” Carter said. “I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.”
He added that he believes progress was made during his time at the university and expressed gratitude to the campus community.
“The students, faculty and staff at this university are among the very best in the world,” Carter said.
A short and turbulent stretch of leadership
Carter’s departure comes just two years after he was selected to lead the university. His contract was originally set to run through 2028.
He succeeded former OSU president Kristina Johnson, who stepped down in 2023 after her own abrupt exit.
That means Ohio State University has now cycled through multiple presidents in a relatively short period, including interim leadership between administrations.
Carter’s background
Before arriving in Columbus, Carter served as president of the University of Nebraska System.
He spent much of his earlier career in the U.S. Navy and previously led the United States Naval Academy as superintendent. Carter also graduated from the Naval Academy and completed training at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as Top Gun.
During his time at Ohio State, Carter focused on developing the university’s long-term strategic plan, called “Education for Citizenship 2035,” which outlines priorities for research, faculty recruitment and student opportunities over the next decade.
What happens next
The university has not yet named an interim president.
The Board of Trustees said it will share more details about the leadership transition in the coming days.
For now, the sudden resignation adds another unexpected chapter to leadership at one of the nation’s largest public universities. You can read Carter’s full 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.”
