Ohio State University president Walter 'Ted' Carter Jr. resigned on 9 March 2026 after disclosing an inappropriate relationship involving access to university leadership. The 66-year-old informed the university's board of trustees that he had provided what he described as 'inappropriate access' to an individual seeking assistance with a private business venture. The board accepted his resignation effective immediately, ending a tenure that began in January 2024.
According to reports fromThe Lantern, Ohio State University's student newspaper, and theNew York Post, the individual connected to the situation is Krisanthe Vlachos, a podcast host who focuses on issues affecting military veterans. The outlets reported that Vlachos was not affiliated with the university but had contact with Carter while seeking support for a business initiative. Carter said he chose to step down after acknowledging what he described as an 'error in judgement' related to the access provided.
Ohio State University oversees an annual budget of about $11.5 billion (approximately £8.6 billion) and serves more than 60,000 students across its campuses. Carter, a retired United States Navy officer, joined the institution after previously serving as president of the University of Nebraska system. The university has begun the process of identifying an interim leader to oversee operations while a permanent successor is selected.
NEW: Ohio State President Ted Carter has resigned after informing trustees about an inappropriate relationship, the school announced.https://t.co/qKAmW7TspSpic.twitter.com/oeOOZY2RPY
Both of these leave more questions than answers to me, if anyone has any additional information please hit the tip linepic.twitter.com/iGKl2ivndk
Krisanthe Vlachos is known as the host of'The Callout Podcast', a programme that focuses on military service members and veterans' initiatives. Carter appeared as a guest on several episodes of the podcast during 2026, and their professional association was also visible through social media posts and appearances at events connected to veterans' organisations.
Vlachos has described her platform as highlighting career opportunities and support networks for former members of the armed forces. Because Carter spent more than three decades in the United States Navy before entering higher-education leadership, the two shared connections within the veterans' community.
Despite her name appearing in media reports about the resignation, Vlachos has not released a public statement addressing the situation or describing her interactions with the university.
Reportshave also referenced collaborations involving events connected to Vlachos's podcast. At least one veterans-focused podcast event received co-sponsorship from Ohio State University and JobsOhio, a private economic development organisation in the state.
JobsOhio acknowledged Carter's resignation and said it was aware of reports linking the event sponsorship to the relationship between the former university president and the podcast host. The organisation said its participation followed its normal sponsorship process.
Source: International Business Times UK
