The Big Ten's Revolving Door

"After the Ohio State Board of Trustees was tipped off, Carter admitted to an "inappropriate relationship" with a woman who wanted to use public resources to benefit her private business. A former U.S. Navy pilot who graduated from and later led the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter had been recruited from the University of Nebraska system, which he led from 2020 until early 2023."

"Carter's exit comes after his predecessor, Kristina Johnson, who led Ohio State from 2020 through early 2023, also stepped down abruptly under mysterious circumstances. The Columbus Dispatch later reported that she had been pushed out in part over tensions with Les Wexner, a billionaire donor she reportedly sought to sideline at OSU who has since been linked to convicted child predator Jeffrey Epstein."

"Among the four major athletic conferences, none has had higher leadership turnover at their member institutions than the Big Ten, an Inside Higher Ed analysis shows. Of its 18 members, six lost their presidents or chancellors last year."

Ted Carter stepped down as Ohio State University president after the Board of Trustees discovered his inappropriate relationship with a woman seeking to use university resources for her private business. Carter, a former U.S. Navy pilot and Naval Academy graduate, had been recruited from the University of Nebraska system. His departure represents the eighth presidential or chancellorial exit among Big Ten's 18 member institutions in just over a year. His predecessor, Kristina Johnson, also departed abruptly in 2023 amid tensions with major donor Les Wexner. Ravi Bellamkonda, the current executive vice president and provost, is expected to be announced as the permanent president. The Big Ten has experienced significantly higher leadership turnover than other major athletic conferences.

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