Columbus, OH – Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. Has resigned from his position, effective immediately, after disclosing an inappropriate relationship to the Board of Trustees. The resignation, accepted on Sunday, marks a swift end to Carter’s nearly two-year tenure at the university and raises questions about leadership stability at the institution.
Carter, 66, informed the board of the relationship with someone “seeking public resources to support her personal business,” according to a university statement released Monday. He proactively offered his resignation, which was accepted during a rare three-hour executive session on March 7, 2026. The university has not released further details regarding the nature of the relationship, stating only that it involved inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership. This development follows a period of relative calm after the previous president, Kristina Johnson, stepped down in May 2023 following reported tensions with the board.
Details of the Resignation
Board of Trustees Chair John Zeiger expressed surprise and disappointment, stating, “The Board was surprised and disappointed to learn of this matter and takes the situation and its potential impact on the university very seriously.” Zeiger acknowledged Carter’s cooperation in ensuring a smooth leadership transition. The university has not yet announced an interim president, but a transition plan is expected later this week, according to Zeiger.
Carter’s departure comes after a period of positive momentum for Ohio State. In August 2025, the Board of Trustees approved a 4.5% merit raise for Carter, bringing his base salary to $1,189,733 and adding a $398,475 bonus – approximately 35% of his base pay – in recognition of his leadership. He began his role in January 2024, succeeding Johnson and his contract was set to run through December 31, 2028.
Carter’s Tenure and Strategic Vision
During his time at Ohio State, Carter focused on implementing his “Education for Citizenship 2035” strategic plan, a ten-year vision developed after a year-long “listening and learning” tour across campus. The plan included initiatives such as new scholarships, investments in six specific colleges, an AI Fluency initiative, and a $100 million effort to attract top faculty. The plan officially launched in July 2025.
Prior to Ohio State, Carter served as president of the University of Nebraska system. His career has been largely defined by his service in the U.S. Navy, where he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy Fighter Weapons School (“Top Gun”). He also studied at the Navy Nuclear Power School, the U.S. Air Force Air War College, the Naval War College, and the Armed Forces Staff College, and served as the longest continuously serving superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy since the Civil War.
Previous Leadership Transition
Carter’s resignation echoes a similar situation with his predecessor, Kristina Johnson. Johnson’s abrupt departure in May 2023 revealed “consternation with the board of trustees,” suggesting underlying tensions within the university’s leadership structure. The circumstances surrounding Johnson’s resignation were not fully disclosed at the time.
In a statement released Monday, Carter expressed regret over his decision, stating, “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.” He also conveyed gratitude for the university community, saying, “The students, faculty and staff at this university are among the very best in the world.”
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees will share a detailed transition plan later this week. The university community now awaits further information regarding the selection of an interim president and the long-term direction of the institution. The focus will be on maintaining the momentum of the Education for Citizenship 2035 plan and ensuring continued stability during this period of change.
As Ohio State navigates this unexpected leadership change, the university’s commitment to its students, faculty, and strategic goals will be crucial. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the path forward and ensuring a seamless transition for one of the nation’s leading public universities.
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