Ohio State University President Resigns After Inappropriate Relationship Disclosure

Carter cites 'personal reasons' for departure after less than 3 years in role

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. Carter, who previously served as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, said he is leaving the university voluntarily and with his wife, Lynda.

Why it matters

The resignation of Ohio State's president is a significant development, as the university is one of the largest public research institutions in the country with a $11.5 billion budget. Carter's departure comes just a few years after the previous president, Kristina Johnson, also left the role under unexplained circumstances.

The details

In his resignation statement, Carter said he 'made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership' by the woman with whom he had the relationship. He did not provide further details about the nature of the relationship or the woman involved. Carter had been president of Ohio State since 2023 after previously serving as head of the University of Nebraska system.

  • Carter was appointed Ohio State president in 2023.
  • 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 from the role in the middle of her contract, 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 Ohio State University President (ksgf.com)

The takeaway

The abrupt resignations of Ohio State's last two presidents in quick succession raise questions about leadership stability and governance at one of the nation's largest public universities. The circumstances surrounding Carter's departure, involving an 'inappropriate relationship,' also underscore the high ethical standards expected of university presidents.