President of Ohio State steps down over 'inappropriate relationship'

The president of Ohio State University resigned his post Monday after revealing an “inappropriate relationship,” with “someone seeking public resources,” the school announced in a statement.

Walter Carter Jr., who has held that position for two years, said that he had “made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership to support her personal business,” according to the New York Times. 

Neither the identity of the person, nor the nature of that relationship were mentioned in the university’s statement. In a letter to Carter, chairman of the board of the university, John W. Zeiger, wrote that he accepted his resignation.

“The Board was surprised and disappointed to learn of this matter and takes the situation and its potential impact on the university very seriously,” adding “We respect your decision and appreciate your cooperation in supporting an orderly leadership transition.”

Carter’s impressive background includes having been a vice admiral and naval flight officer, the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and the president of U.S. Naval War College. He also served as president of the University of Nebraska until he went to work at Ohio State in January 2024, where he was making a salary of about $1.2 million. His contract ran through 2028.