Ohio State University President Ted Carter has resigned from his position after just over two years, following the disclosure of an inappropriate relationship. The university's Board of Trustees accepted the resignation after Carter admitted to the relationship during a special meeting.
The incident involves a woman from outside the university who was reportedly seeking state resources for her personal business, prompting an internal investigation into the potential misuse of public funds and university access.
Key Takeaways
- Ted Carter resigned as President of Ohio State University after admitting to an inappropriate relationship.
- The relationship involved a woman seeking state resources for her business, raising concerns about misuse of public assets.
- The university has launched an investigation into the matter and the woman's business connections to a university-affiliated address.
- Carter's departure marks the second short-term presidency for the university in recent years.
Sudden Departure Shakes University Leadership
The resignation of Ted Carter, 66, was finalized over the weekend after a lengthy three-hour executive session with the Board of Trustees on March 7. According to a university spokesperson, the board was first alerted to the situation by an unnamed source.
When confronted by the board, Carter disclosed the relationship and offered to step down. The board promptly accepted his offer. In a letter acknowledging the resignation, Board of Trustees Chair John Zeiger stated, "The Board was surprised and disappointed to learn of this matter and takes the situation and its potential impact on the university very seriously."
In a statement sent to the campus community on March 9, Carter acknowledged his error.
"I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership," Carter said. "I believe we have made much progress during my time at Ohio State, and I’m sorry I’m not able to remain your president longer."
He added that he and his wife, Lynda, would leave the university with "gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community."
Investigation Focuses on Business Connections
The university's investigation will center on the nature of the relationship and the use of public resources. A statement from the university clarified that Carter admitted to an "inappropriate relationship with someone seeking state resources to support her personal business."
While the university did not name the individual, details have emerged linking the situation to Krisanthe Vlachos, the host of a podcast for veterans called "The Callout." Carter had previously appeared as a guest on the podcast. A spokesperson for JobsOhio, a private economic development corporation, confirmed that the organization sponsored the podcast as part of its veteran outreach initiatives.
Business Filing Under Scrutiny
Public records show that on December 19, 2025, Vlachos registered a limited liability corporation named Vet Earn USA LLC. The business address listed on the filing is 1800 N. Pearl St. in Columbus, which is the location of WOSU Public Media, a public media service licensed to Ohio State University.
This connection has raised questions about whether university facilities or resources were improperly used or offered in connection with the private business venture. University spokesperson Ben Johnson confirmed an investigation is underway but could not clarify if the relationship was romantic in nature.
A Brief but Consequential Presidency
Carter officially began his tenure as Ohio State's 17th president in January 2024, with a contract intended to run through the end of 2028. His leadership was generally well-regarded by trustees, who praised his steady hand and vision for the university's mission.
His short time in office was marked by several key initiatives:
- The launch of the "Education for Citizenship 2035" strategic plan.
- The introduction of new scholarships and an AI Fluency initiative.
- A $100 million plan to attract top-tier faculty to the university.
Leadership Instability a Growing Concern
Carter's exit follows a similar pattern of his predecessor, Kristina Johnson, who also stepped down after a brief two-year term in May 2023. Her departure was reportedly marked by friction with the board of trustees, raising concerns about sustained leadership stability at one of the nation's largest public universities.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Carter had received strong financial backing from the board. In August, trustees approved a 4.5% merit raise, which increased his base salary to $1,189,733. At the same time, he was awarded a performance bonus of $398,475, approximately 35% of his base pay.
What Happens Next at Ohio State
The university has not yet named an interim president. Johnson stated that the board is working to finalize a transition plan and will provide more information to the campus community in the coming days. Carter has been given 90 days to move out of his university-provided residence on campus.
In his final message to the university, Board Chair John Zeiger emphasized continuity. "Our collective dedication to advancing Ohio State’s standing as one of the nation’s premier public universities is unchanged," he wrote. "The current strength and momentum of Ohio State and its collective leadership team make us highly confident that our momentum will continue to be strong."
The board's immediate task will be to navigate the transition while the investigation proceeds, with the goal of restoring stability and finding a new leader to guide the university forward.
