On January 1, Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. officially began his tenure as the 17th president of Ohio State University. With over 65,000 students and 45,000 staff members spread across its six campuses, including Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and Wooster, Ohio State is one of the largest and most prestigious institutions in the United States.

Carter, who previously served as the president of the University of Nebraska system, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead Ohio State. In his August 2022 statement upon being hired, Carter described it as the "greatest honor" of his career, highlighting Ohio State's status as a land-grant institution and a state flagship university. He emphasized the university's commitment to education for citizenship and the importance of service to the greater good.

Throughout his distinguished career, Carter has held notable leadership positions, including serving as the 62nd superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and the 54th president of the U.S. Naval War College. A 1981 graduate of the Naval Academy, Carter's impressive naval career involved commanding different squadrons and accumulating over 6,000 flight hours in various aircraft.

During his time as the president of the University of Nebraska system, Carter oversaw four campuses with nearly 70,000 students, faculty, and staff. His achievements included the launch of the "Nebraska Promise" initiative, a financial aid program providing full tuition coverage for low-income and middle-income students. Carter also implemented a budget plan that included a two-year tuition freeze.

As Ohio State's new president, Carter aims to launch several new initiatives in collaboration with the university's Board of Trustees. He envisions Ohio State becoming a leading institution in higher education and beyond, operating at the highest levels of academics, research, scholarship, service, healthcare, the arts, and athletics. Carter believes that Ohio State's strong passion for service will help the university excel in addressing the current challenges facing higher education.

In addition to his role as president, Carter serves on various boards and committees, including the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the American Council on Education, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities' Council of Presidents, the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors, and the U.S. Council on Competitiveness.

Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. and his wife, Lynda, have been married for 41 years and have two adult children, Brittany and Christopher, as well as one grandchild.

As Ohio State University enters a new chapter with its 17th president, the university community eagerly anticipates the leadership and vision that Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. brings to this esteemed institution.