In a stunning development that has reverberated across the Ohio State University community, President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. has resigned after disclosing an inappropriate relationship with a woman seeking public resources to support her personal business. The announcement, made official on March 9, 2026, comes after a rare weekend meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees and has left the sprawling Columbus campus and its stakeholders grappling with both the abrupt leadership change and the legacy of Carter’s two-year tenure.
According to WSYX and confirmed by multiple outlets, Carter, who began his presidency in January 2024, recently informed the Board of Trustees of his involvement in a relationship that crossed professional boundaries. The woman involved, as Carter disclosed, was seeking support from the university for her own business interests. In his statement, Carter took responsibility, saying, "I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership." He continued, "For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University."
The Board of Trustees accepted Carter’s resignation on Monday, March 9, 2026, expressing appreciation for his contributions but also emphasizing the gravity of the situation. In a letter to Carter, Board Chair John Zeiger wrote, "The Board was surprised and disappointed to learn of this matter and takes the situation and its potential impact on the university very seriously." Zeiger added, "We respect your decision and appreciate your cooperation in supporting an orderly leadership transition. Thank you for your service to Ohio State, I wish both you and Lynda the very best in the future."
The circumstances leading to Carter’s resignation unfolded quickly. As reported by WOSU, the Board convened in a rare Saturday session on March 7, 2026, to discuss personnel matters after being approached by an outside party with allegations regarding Carter’s conduct. When confronted by the trustees, Carter acknowledged the relationship and immediately offered to step down. University spokesperson Ben Johnson confirmed that the board is finalizing a transition plan and will provide additional details in the coming days.
Carter’s departure marks the second consecutive abrupt presidential transition at Ohio State, following the resignation of his predecessor, Kristina Johnson, after just two years in office. Carter was initially announced as the university’s 17th president in August 2023 and assumed the role in January 2024, following a stint as president of the University of Nebraska and a distinguished career as a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy.
During his tenure at Ohio State, Carter oversaw a period of significant institutional change. The university implemented the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, which aimed to position Ohio State as a national leader in higher education. Under Carter’s leadership, the university reported rising national rankings, increased research expenditures, and launched several new scholarship programs. Carter himself expressed pride in these achievements, stating, "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. The students, faculty and staff at this university are among the very best in the world, and the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan has Ohio State poised to succeed for years to come."
However, Carter’s presidency was not without controversy. According to WOSU, his administration was marked by the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in compliance with Ohio Senate Bill 1, a move mandated by the state legislature. Additionally, Carter was tasked with establishing the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, an initiative intended to address concerns about perceived "liberal bias" on college campuses. These actions drew criticism from some faculty and student groups, who accused the administration of failing to stand up for DEI values and suppressing dissent.
The university’s handling of student protests also came under scrutiny during Carter’s time at the helm. In response to demonstrations against Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, Ohio State authorities arrested dozens of students, prompting further debate about free speech and the administration’s approach to campus activism. As Judson Jeffries, a professor of African American and African studies at Ohio State, told WOSU, "I didn't see him standing up for those whose job responsibilities and whose charges involved diversity, equity and inclusion." Jeffries noted that students voiced concerns about what they saw as "top-down leadership" and the administration’s response to dissent.
Carter’s leadership also coincided with a major athletic achievement: the Ohio State Buckeyes football team clinched a College Football national championship, a point of pride for the university community during an otherwise tumultuous period.
Meanwhile, external pressures mounted regarding the university’s relationship with Ohio billionaire Leslie Wexner, whose name adorns several campus buildings. Following the release of the Epstein Files by the U.S. Department of Justice, advocacy groups including the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) renewed calls for Wexner’s name to be removed, citing his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The ONA, which represents nurses at the OSU Wexner Medical Center, issued a pointed statement following Carter’s resignation: "Real accountability must start at the top. John Zeiger has a glaring conflict of interest as the personal attorney for Leslie Wexner and should also resign immediately as chair of the board." The group added, "One resignation isn't enough."
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter at Ohio State was similarly critical. In a statement sent to WOSU, the AAUP asserted, "The students, faculty, and staff of Ohio State deserve so much better than the failed leadership that has been inflicted on this institution over the years. The repression of free speech, the dismantling of diversity, the lack of accountability to survivors—the list goes on and on. We demand a more transparent presidential search that involves the input of faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders."
Despite the controversy, Carter maintained a tone of gratitude in his departure, expressing appreciation for the Ohio State community and the opportunity to serve as president. "Lynda and I leave Ohio State with gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful community," he said. "It has been an honor to serve as this university’s 17th president, and we wish the university ongoing success." The university has not yet named an interim president, but officials have promised to keep the community informed as the transition process unfolds.
As Ohio State University prepares for its next chapter, the campus is left to reflect on a presidency defined by both progress and upheaval, and a leadership crisis that raises lasting questions about governance, accountability, and the values at the heart of higher education.