Krisanthe Vlachos
Krisanthe Vlachos Krisanthe Vlachos/LinkedIn

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 from The Lantern, Ohio State University's student newspaper, and the New 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.

Who Is Krisanthe Vlachos?

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.

Institutional Sponsorships and Collaborations

Reports have 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.

Public reports have also mentioned initiatives aimed at connecting veterans with employment opportunities. The university has not announced whether any internal review related to the sponsorship arrangements is underway.

Impact on University Governance

The Ohio State University board of trustees said it accepted Carter's resignation and thanked him for his service to the institution. The board also stated that the university's academic and research operations will continue as usual while leadership changes are addressed.

Carter had been expected to lead the university through 2028 before announcing his decision to step down. The institution is now preparing to appoint an interim president while a national search for a permanent successor takes place.

For now, university officials say day-to-day operations will continue without disruption as the transition in leadership moves forward.