Ohio State University to Investigate Former President's 'Inappropriate' Relationship

Ted Carter resigned after disclosing he had a relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ohio State University will investigate former President Ted Carter Jr.'s inappropriate relationship that led to his resignation. Carter, who is married, resigned on Saturday after disclosing to OSU trustees that he had an inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business. The university will look into potential concerns over the use of public resources, but officials could not clarify if the relationship was sexual in nature.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the misuse of public resources and the ethical conduct of university leadership. As a prominent public institution, Ohio State University is under scrutiny to uphold high standards of integrity and transparency, especially in the wake of past scandals involving the former team doctor and the university's association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The details

According to OSU spokesman Benjamin Johnson, an unidentified person outside the university came to the Board of Trustees in recent days to talk about the inappropriate relationship. Carter did not share details about the relationship until trustees asked him, at which point he disclosed the relationship. The university will investigate the potential concerns over the use of public resources, but Johnson said he could not clarify if the relationship was sexual in nature.

  • On Saturday, March 7, Carter resigned with a letter disclosing the inappropriate relationship.
  • On March 3-5, the OSU Board of Trustees had a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.
  • On Saturday, March 7, trustees again met for three hours in an executive session to discuss the matter.

The players

Ted Carter

The former president of Ohio State University who resigned after disclosing an inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business.

Benjamin Johnson

The chief spokesman for Ohio State University who provided details about the investigation into Carter's relationship.

E. Gordon Gee

The former president of Ohio State University who began consulting for Carter last August and could be a candidate to fill the vacancy on an interim or permanent basis.

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What they’re saying

“The university will investigate potential concerns over public resources.”

— Benjamin Johnson, Ohio State University Chief Spokesman (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The OSU Board of Trustees is finalizing a transition plan, expected to be made public later this week, to determine if they will designate an interim president and then search for a full-time president.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of ethical leadership and the responsible use of public resources at a major public university. The investigation into Carter's relationship will be closely watched as Ohio State works to restore trust and move forward from past scandals.