Ohio State University President Resigns After Inappropriate Relationship Disclosure

Ted Carter Jr. steps down after revealing 'inappropriate access' to university leadership

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ohio State University President Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr. has resigned abruptly after disclosing 'an inappropriate relationship' with a woman seeking public resources for her private business. Carter, who had been president since 2023, said he made a 'mistake' in allowing the inappropriate access and is leaving the university with his wife.

Why it matters

The resignation of the president of a major public university like Ohio State is a significant event, raising questions about leadership, ethics, and the use of public resources. Carter's departure comes just a few years after the previous Ohio State president also left under unclear circumstances.

The details

In his resignation statement, Carter did not provide details about the nature of the 'inappropriate relationship' or the woman seeking public resources. However, he acknowledged making a 'mistake' in allowing inappropriate access to university leadership. Carter, a former U.S. Naval Academy superintendent, had been president of Ohio State since 2023 after previously leading the University of Nebraska system.

  • Carter resigned on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr.

The former president of Ohio State University who resigned after disclosing an 'inappropriate relationship' with a woman seeking public resources.

Kristina Johnson

The previous president of Ohio State University who resigned in the middle of her contract in 2020, with the reasons largely unexplained.

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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 (washingtonpost.com)

What’s next

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees will appoint an interim president and begin a search for a permanent replacement for Carter.

The takeaway

This resignation highlights the importance of ethical leadership and the need for public institutions to maintain the highest standards of integrity, especially when it comes to the use of public resources. The circumstances surrounding Carter's departure raise concerns about transparency and accountability at the university.