Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I am thrilled to begin my time as president at Ohio State and join you on our campuses for the spring semester. The primary reason I was drawn to this university is its students, faculty and staff – your eagerness to learn, your dedication to service, and your desire to better yourselves and our communities.
As I said in August, I have been driven throughout my career by a sense of service at the highest level. Ohio State is well known for operating at the highest levels of academics, research, health care, the arts, athletics and more. My commitment as president is to be a strong advocate for the work you do that, taken together, exemplifies and advances Ohio State’s mission.
I believe strongly in the power of academic freedom. I believe in the critical importance of the shared governance model that ensures all voices are heard. And I take seriously the responsibility of continuing my career in higher education at an institution with shared values that reflect my own. To that end, my commitment to you in our initial weeks and months together will be to listen and learn. Trust is earned, and I am dedicated to earning yours.
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, we are all part of this outstanding land-grant, top-tier research university that changes lives and – through excellence in clinical care – saves lives every day. To our students, our success is defined by yours. To our faculty, your teaching, research and scholarship shape how we live. To our staff, you ensure this large and complex operation runs seamlessly to support more than 150 years of excellence.
Lynda and I are incredibly grateful to call Ohio State our new home, and I look forward to the work we will do together. Now, let’s get to it.
Ted
Ted Carter
President