Full Breakdown
Ohio State University Faces Leadership Change After Ted Carter's Resignation
3/13/2026, 3:08:38 AM
Sudden Resignation of Ted Carter
Ohio State University (OSU) is undergoing a significant leadership transition following the abrupt resignation of President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. on March 9, 2026. Carter, who had served as president for just over two years, stepped down after admitting to an “inappropriate relationship” with Krisanthe Vlachos, the host of a podcast aimed at military veterans. The relationship reportedly involved Vlachos seeking access to university resources for her personal business, VetEarnUSA LLC, which is under investigation by the university.
The Board of Trustees was alerted to the situation by an anonymous tip prior to a special meeting on March 7, where Carter confirmed the allegations and offered his resignation. Board Chair John Zeiger expressed surprise and disappointment at the revelations, emphasizing the board's commitment to addressing the situation's implications for the university.
Appointment of Ravi Bellamkonda as New President
In a swift response to Carter's resignation, the OSU Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Ravi Bellamkonda, the university's Executive Vice President and Provost, as the new president on March 12, 2026. This decision bypassed the traditional nationwide search for a new leader, marking Bellamkonda as the fourth president of OSU since 2020. Zeiger praised Bellamkonda's extensive experience and commitment to the university, stating, “The right leader is already at our university.”
Bellamkonda, a bioengineer and neuroscientist, joined OSU in January 2025 and has previously held leadership positions at Emory University, Duke University, and Georgia Tech. He has pledged to uphold the university's standards and continue its commitment to excellence.
Background on the Inappropriate Relationship
The relationship that led to Carter's resignation has raised concerns regarding the use of public resources. Vlachos, who registered her business in December 2025, had received funding from JobsOhio for her podcast, “The Callout,” which aimed to connect veterans with job opportunities. JobsOhio is now attempting to recover $60,000 paid for the podcast, as only one of the planned four episodes was produced.
Carter's resignation has prompted OSU to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the relationship and the potential misuse of university resources. The university has not disclosed whether the relationship was romantic, and Vlachos has not publicly commented on the situation.
Criticism and Concerns from the Community
The rapid turnover in leadership at OSU has drawn criticism from faculty and community members. Jennifer Tisone Price, executive director of the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors, emphasized the need for a transparent hiring process that involves faculty input. “Shared governance isn’t just a bureaucratic nicety. It’s how universities stay honest,” she stated.
Students have expressed mixed reactions to the leadership change, with some feeling shocked and concerned about the implications for the university's future. The university community is now looking to Bellamkonda to provide stability and direction in the wake of Carter's controversial departure.
What's Next for Ohio State University
As OSU transitions to new leadership, the Board of Trustees is expected to outline a plan for the future, including the potential for further investigations into the circumstances surrounding Carter's resignation. Bellamkonda's appointment marks a critical moment for the university as it seeks to restore confidence and continue its mission as a leading public institution.
