A message from Acting President Mohler

As we finish the calendar year, I want to thank you all for the remarkable work you have done this semester. It has been an honor to serve as your acting president since August, and to prepare for President-Elect Ted Carter to begin his tenure in the new year. I know he is excited to join us on our campuses, take part in our beloved traditions and help advance Ohio State as one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher education.

The achievements we have accomplished as Buckeyes give us much to celebrate. A fellow Buckeye was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, Ohio State improved in the national ranking of research universities, we are expanding opportunities for students and emerging entrepreneurs, we’ve supported the many accomplishments of our highly acclaimed faculty and staff, and more than 3,000 Buckeyes will receive undergraduate or graduate degrees this Sunday. I am so proud to be a Buckeye.

During this holiday season, I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge that as hopeful as we are for the future, the present is still a challenge for too many. It is heartbreaking to see suffering, pain and death impacting people around the world, especially the Israeli and Palestinian people – and the resulting impacts on our community.

There is no question that division exists in our nation and the world. The hate and intolerance we see on display daily across the world might suggest we are too divided to come together. I implore you that it is more important than ever to demonstrate our values as Buckeyes and renew our commitment to care in our community. Our campuses are where we live, learn, teach and work. Ohio State must be a place where our community feels a sense of belonging – a place where everyone can succeed and thrive.

Our university is a place where people come together. Respect is about more than just following rules and policies. Care and compassion means creating an environment where everyone in our community feels safe and welcome – regardless of how opinions and experiences may differ. Everyone must do their part to engage civilly. We are steadfastly committed to freedom of speech and expression – this is part of our fiber as a public institution. We can disagree, but we can do that in ways that respect and honor each other’s experiences and feelings.

When we work in unison, few institutions can match Ohio State. Even when our differences seem the greatest, we should never forget our ability to rise above them in service to something greater, which at its very core is why we exist as a land-grant institution. That gives me hope for the future.

With the holidays upon us and winter break about to begin, I encourage you to reflect on the things that bring you happiness and motivate you for the future. Perhaps most importantly, take time to rest and recharge and focus on your well-being. I look forward to all we can do together in 2024.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Mohler, PhD

Acting President and Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge