Ohio State President Resigns After Inappropriate Relationship

Carter disclosed relationship with woman seeking university resources

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ohio State University President Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr. has resigned after disclosing an 'inappropriate relationship' with a woman seeking public resources for her private business. The 66-year-old Carter, who is a former superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, resigned voluntarily after informing the university's board of trustees of the relationship.

Why it matters

The resignation of a high-profile university president over an inappropriate relationship raises questions about ethics, accountability, and the use of public resources. As one of the nation's largest universities, Ohio State's leadership transition will be closely watched.

The details

According to a statement, Carter disclosed the relationship to the Ohio State board of trustees and resigned, saying 'I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.' Carter, who had been president since 2023, said he was leaving with his wife Lynda and expressed gratitude for the university community.

  • Carter started as Ohio State president in 2023.
  • Carter resigned on March 9, 2026.

The players

Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr.

The 66-year-old former superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy who served as the 17th president of Ohio State University from 2023 until his resignation in 2026.

Lynda Carter

The wife of former Ohio State president Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr., who is leaving the university with her husband.

Ohio State University Board of Trustees

The governing body of Ohio State University that accepted Carter's resignation after he disclosed an inappropriate relationship.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr., Former President, Ohio State University (al.com)

What’s next

The Ohio State University board of trustees will begin the process of selecting a new president to lead the university.

The takeaway

This resignation highlights the importance of ethical leadership and the consequences of inappropriate relationships, even at the highest levels of a major university. Ohio State will need to carefully navigate this transition to restore public trust and confidence.