Ohio State University President Resigns Over "Inappropriate Relationship"

Carter disclosed the relationship with a woman seeking public resources for her business.

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 person who was seeking public resources for her business. The university has opened an investigation into Carter's actions and is working on a leadership transition plan.

Why it matters

The resignation of a high-profile university president over an inappropriate relationship raises questions about ethics, governance, and transparency in higher education leadership. It also highlights the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when university officials provide access or resources to outside parties.

The details

According to the university, Carter, 66, said he had resigned voluntarily after informing the board of trustees of his "error." He did not provide details on the nature of the relationship, but indicated that he and his wife are still a couple. The board accepted Carter's resignation, stating they were "surprised and disappointed" to learn of the matter and that they take the situation "very seriously." The university has opened an investigation and is working on a leadership transition plan.

  • Carter resigned on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • The board of trustees held a private executive session on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Walter "Ted" Carter Jr.

The former president of Ohio State University who resigned over an "inappropriate relationship" with a woman seeking public resources for her business.

John Zeiger

The chair of Ohio State University's board of trustees who accepted Carter's resignation.

Kristina Johnson

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

Michael Drake

The president of Ohio State University prior to Kristina Johnson.

Jennifer Tisone Price

The executive director of the Ohio conference of the American Association of University Professors, who called for a transparent hiring process and shared governance for the next Ohio State president.

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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. (expressnews.com)

“The Board was surprised and disappointed to learn of this matter and takes the situation and its potential impact on the university very seriously. We respect your decision and appreciate your cooperation in supporting an orderly leadership transition.”

— John Zeiger, Board Chair (expressnews.com)

“This is OSU's third president since 2020. If the university wants to do better with the next one, it must have a transparent hiring process that honors shared governance which includes the input from faculty. Shared governance isn't just a bureaucratic nicety. It's how universities stay honest.”

— Jennifer Tisone Price, Executive Director, Ohio conference of the American Association of University Professors (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The university has opened an investigation into Carter's actions and is working on a leadership transition plan, which could be detailed as soon as this week.

The takeaway

The resignation of Ohio State's president over an inappropriate relationship highlights the importance of ethical leadership, transparency, and shared governance in higher education. The university must now work to restore trust and stability through a thorough investigation and a thoughtful transition to new leadership.