Ohio State President Resigns Over 'Inappropriate Relationship'

Ted Carter, 66, stepped down after disclosing the relationship to the Board of Trustees.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The president of Ohio State University, Ted Carter, resigned over the weekend after disclosing to the Board of Trustees that he had an "inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business." The university did not provide details about the nature of the relationship or identify the other person involved.

Why it matters

Carter's resignation comes as a surprise, as he had generally received strong reviews during his two-year tenure as president. His departure raises questions about the university's leadership and the circumstances surrounding the inappropriate relationship.

The details

Carter, 66, had been Ohio State's president since 2020 and had a contract through 2028. He made around $1.2 million per year. The Board of Trustees met in a closed session on Saturday and accepted Carter's offer to step down, describing themselves as "surprised and disappointed" by the situation.

  • Carter resigned over the weekend of March 9, 2026.
  • The Board of Trustees met in a closed session on Saturday, March 8, 2026, to accept Carter's resignation.

The players

Ted Carter

The former president of Ohio State University, who resigned over an "inappropriate relationship" with someone seeking public resources for their personal business.

Ohio State University Board of Trustees

The governing body of Ohio State University, which accepted Carter's resignation and described themselves as "surprised and disappointed" by the situation.

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What they’re saying

“We are surprised and disappointed by this situation, but we appreciate Ted Carter's transparency and his offer to step down.”

— Ohio State University Board of Trustees (New York Times)

“Lynda and I are leaving with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community.”

— Ted Carter, Former President, Ohio State University (Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

The university says an interim leadership plan will be announced this week as they search for a new president.

The takeaway

This resignation highlights the importance of ethical leadership and the need for public institutions to maintain the trust of their communities, especially when it comes to the use of public resources.