News and Notes

Today, I have directed the university to invest an additional $2 million a year over the next decade to enhance safety and security on and around our campus, for a total of at least $20 million.

The 2021 Buckeyes for Charity campaign is now underway. Through November 5, we can again show the strength of our caring community by making a difference for people and causes all over Ohio. I hope you will join me and other Buckeyes in showing how much we care.

Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson delivered a message from the heart of the Columbus campus to celebrate Ohio State’s Founders Day. -via Ohio State News

The well-being of our Buckeye community members remains our highest priority. The university is taking multiple measures in our approach to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.

Fall semester is now well underway, and I am so excited to see you back on our campuses enjoying many of the traditions we hold dear. Being able to engage with you – face to face and in person – is such an incredible motivator to maintain our COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

I am pleased to share that I am appointing Mr. Mark Larmore, chief financial officer of the medical center and vice president of health sciences, and Dr. Andrew Thomas, chief clinical officer and senior associate vice president of health sciences, to serve as the Wexner Medical Center’s interim co-leaders while we launch a search for the next permanent leader.

I write to share with you that Dr. Harold L. Paz will be stepping down from his position as executive vice president and chancellor for health affairs at Ohio State and chief executive officer of the Wexner Medical Center, effective October 3.

The physical and mental health and well-being of our community members is one of our highest priorities. The frequency and severity of crime in the off-campus area is disturbing. We are taking multiple measures in our approach to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.

As classes begin today, I’m thrilled to welcome you to Ohio State’s campuses and back to many of the traditions Buckeyes know and love.