Dear Friends:
I am thrilled to begin the spring semester as the 17th president of The Ohio State University. As I said in August, I have been driven throughout my career by a sense of service at the highest level – and Ohio State operates at the highest levels of academics, research, health care, the arts, athletics and more.
None of this is possible without the support and partnership of our proud alumni, donors, elected officials, our Board of Trustees and many others in the communities we serve. You know well the important role that Ohio State plays in educating students and securing the continued vitality of our state and nation. I am grateful to our Trustees for this opportunity and am impressed by their commitment to raising the university’s excellence in support of our students, faculty, staff and the state of Ohio.
I also understand that my tenure at Ohio State begins at a time of great challenge and uncertainty around the world, across our nation and throughout the higher-education landscape. Let me be clear: Our university is a place at which safety will not be compromised. I am committed to continually exploring ways in which we can enhance the safety and security of our community. We also will remain focused on creating an environment in which respect, civility and compassion are forefront while continuing Ohio State’s long-standing commitment to the First Amendment and upholding the laws of our state and country. This has been my expectation over the course of my 40 years in higher education and military service, and it will be my expectation as your president.
Ultimately, each one of us is part of this public, land-grant, top-tier research university that changes lives and – through excellence in clinical care – saves lives every day. Ohio State has a foundational responsibility to provide an affordable education to students of all backgrounds, ensure that education prepares them for their careers, and partner with friends and supporters like you to create the innovations, industries and creative endeavors in which our graduates and all Ohioans thrive.
My path to Ohio State has demonstrated time and again that learning is a lifelong endeavor. Lynda and I are excited to make Ohio our home and to work and learn with you.
I look forward to our time together. As always, Go Bucks.
Ted
Ted Carter
President