Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU's 18th president

• But instead, the board of trustees quickly turned to a leader who was already "close at hand," chair John Zeiger said.

Catch up quick: Bellamkonda had served as OSU's executive vice president and provost, the university's top academic position, since January 2025.

• He held prior academic titles at Emory University, Duke University, Georgia Tech, and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

What they're saying: "The right leader is already at our university," Zeiger said during Thursday's meeting, complimenting Bellamkonda's "vast experience, his personal values and management skills, and his strong record here at Ohio State."

The intrigue: The bioengineer and neuroscientist has been heavily involved in OSU's embrace of artificial intelligence.

• His rapid ascent signals a further commitment toward embedding AI and tech education into its entire undergraduate curriculum.