Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. has announced his resignation effective in the coming weeks. In a statement released by the university, Carter cited personal reasons for stepping down, though he did not specify details about the factors influencing his decision. The resignation comes after less than two years in office, a tenure marked by significant challenges, including navigating the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education.
Carter’s time at Ohio State included efforts to enhance the university’s academic reputation and bolster research initiatives. However, his resignation has left many in the university community surprised, particularly as he was seen as a stabilizing figure following the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor. Ohio State Board of Trustees Chair W. Gerard J. Larkin expressed gratitude for Carter’s leadership, noting the strides made during his leadership, especially in advancing the university’s research and community engagement efforts.
In the wake of Carter’s resignation, university leaders are working to identify an interim president. The Ohio State community, including students, faculty, and alumni, will be closely watching as the university plans its next steps, with many eager to understand the next phase of leadership at one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious public universities.
