OSU report finds former president "misused his position"
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Ohio State released its internal report on former president Ted Carter Jr. Photo: Jason Mowry/Getty Images
An Ohio State internal investigation concluded former president Ted Carter Jr. "misused his position" to help a "personal associate," per a 47-page report released Tuesday.
Catch up quick: Carter resigned abruptly March 7 after informing university trustees of an "inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business."
- That person was later identified as Krisanthe Vlachos, for whom Carter helped secure a $60,000 grant from JobsOhio to support her podcast.
- The pair were romantically involved, per the Dispatch.
The big picture: The internal investigation found that Carter "misused his position" to "seek resources from the university and key university partners" for Vlachos, but recommended no further personnel actions.
- Carter declined an interview for the report, and Vlachos did not respond to OSU's request.
What they're saying: The report's findings "are deeply disappointing," board chair John W. Zeiger said in a release.
- "...but it is gratifying the university's systems and processes — and the people charged with implementing them — prevented misuse of Ohio State's resources."
Key takeaways:
Carter tried much more: "In addition to misapplied time and effort of numerous university personnel," Carter allegedly attempted to secure a variety of resources for Vlachos.
- That includes employment, campus work space, staff assistance for her podcast and business projects, university investment and financial support from university partners.
Most attempts were thwarted: University staff never performed "extensive work" on Vlachos' ventures.
- She never received university funds and was "held accountable for paying bills" related to a podcast recording contract with WOSU.
- She was never given "an improper" workspace, and her "physical access to Carter's office was curtailed."
Efforts reached beyond OSU: Carter also "sought resources for Vlachos" from an outside company, Anduril, and governmental agencies like the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and Ohio National Guard.
Misuse of expenses: Carter took five trips associated with Vlachos and sought a variety of "travel and non-travel spending for purposes connected" to her, from meal and flight reimbursement to upgraded hotel rooms.
Policy recommendations: The report suggests maintaining independent reviews on presidential travel and expenditure requests, revisions to ethics training, and reinforcing "the importance of cultures and shared values at the senior leadership level."
What's next: The report concludes OSU's investigation, but says the university is "appropriately responding" to inquiries from three state and two federal agencies.