Ohio State University Appoints Ravi Bellamkonda as New President Following Ted Carter's Resignation

Ravi V. Bellamkonda has been appointed as the new president of Ohio State University (OSU), effective March 12, 2026. This decision follows the resignation of former President Ted Carter, who stepped down after admitting to an "inappropriate relationship" with an individual seeking state resources for her business. Bellamkonda, previously the provost at OSU, takes on this role just two months before the university's spring graduation.

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Ravi Bellamkonda has a distinguished academic background, having previously served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University. He has also held leadership positions at Duke University and Georgia Tech. Bellamkonda's career began in 1995 at Case Western Reserve University, and he later became the Vinik Dean of Engineering at Duke. His expertise lies in bioengineering and neuroscience, and he has been involved in several initiatives aimed at enhancing student experiences and faculty recruitment.

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As provost at OSU, Bellamkonda has initiated programs to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum, aiming to ensure that every student graduates with AI fluency. He has also launched the "Game Changer Scholars" initiative to attract innovative faculty to the university.

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Ted Carter's resignation was prompted by revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a podcast host, Krisanthe Vlachos, who was seeking state resources. Carter admitted to the relationship, which led to the Board of Trustees accepting his resignation on March 7, 2026, just over two years into his presidency. The situation has drawn attention to JobsOhio, which is seeking to recover $60,000 paid to Vlachos for a podcast series that was not completed as planned.

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In response to the transition, Bellamkonda expressed his commitment to the university, stating he is ready to "respond to their call" for leadership. JobsOhio has publicly stated that it followed all appropriate protocols in its dealings with Vlachos and emphasized its ongoing partnership with OSU.

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The circumstances surrounding Carter's resignation have raised questions about governance and oversight at OSU. Critics have pointed to the need for greater transparency regarding the relationship and the implications it may have for university operations. The Board of Trustees has not released further details about the investigation into Carter's conduct.

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As Bellamkonda steps into his new role, he faces the challenge of navigating the aftermath of Carter's resignation while continuing to advance OSU's academic initiatives. The university community is looking for stability and direction as it approaches graduation and prepares for future academic endeavors.

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• “respond to their call.” — Ravi V. Bellamkonda, President of Ohio State University

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• “Ohio State is Ohio’s flagship university—its success is critical to economic growth in Ohio, and we will continue to be a strong partner with Ohio State.” — JobsOhio Statement

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