Ohio State Probe Finds Former President Violated Policy

Ohio State University's recently resigned president violated school policy by seeking to assist a lady with whom he had a close personal relationship in obtaining a job at the university and using the public institution's resources, according to a report issued Tuesday.

The Ohio State trustees sought the probe following Walter "Ted" Carter Jr.'s untimely resignation as school president due to disclosures regarding a "inappropriate relationship."

In a statement, Ohio State's board chair, John Zeiger, said the investigation's conclusions were "deeply disappointing."

The university's procedures and processes, as well as the people who administer them, prevented the misuse of the school's resources, he added. However, the investigation also recorded how Carter's activities resulted in "misapplied time and effort of numerous university personnel."

"Carter's actions betrayed Ohio State's shared values and violated university policy," the investigation stated. "Carter had a close personal and business relationship with Vlachos, and he allowed that relationship to improperly influence his actions and impair his judgment."

Why This News Matters:

This is really about trust — and what happens when someone in a powerful position crosses a line. People start to wonder if things are being done fairly behind the scenes when a university president mixes personal relationships with business decisions. And at a school like Ohio State University, that kind of doubt can spread to everyone.

Efforts to Support Krisanthe Vlachos

According to the article, Carter asked at least 14 university personnel to assist Krisanthe Vlachos directly.

According to the 47-page study, Carter tried several times to persuade school workers to assist Vlachos, who operated a podcast for combat veterans.

This included recommending a school official to hire her; seeking campus business space; seeking staff assistance for her podcast and business projects; and seeking university investment in her business proposals as well as support from outside agencies such as JobsOhio, the state's privatized economic development office.

According to the study, his "wide-ranging" attempts to help Vlachos both inside and outside of school lasted over two years.

The study discovered that many of Carter's attempts were futile, as university procedures and personnel prohibited her from gaining financing or jobs.

Personal Relationship and Undisclosed Interactions

According to the investigation, Carter "misused his position" by assisting Krisanthe Vlachos, with whom he had a close personal and professional relationship.

It claims he let his relationship with her "improperly influence his actions and impair his judgment."

"For almost two years, Carter used the authority of his position to make wide-ranging efforts to assist Vlachos both inside and outside the university," the study states.

According to the investigation, Vlachos had "extraordinary access to Carter" through dozens of meetings and at least five trips.

According to the story, the couple visited Richmond, Virginia, Orlando, Florida, Kansas City, Missouri, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Las Vegas, with Carter making a business explanation for one of the excursions.

External Funding, Business Support and Controversy

Carter sought resources for Vlachos from state government departments, corporate partners, and a national veterans organization for her business ventures.

JobsOhio shelled out $60,000 to produce four podcast episodes about veteran issues, though only one was completed.

The agency is now trying to recover the funds after the podcast episodes were removed from platforms following the scandal.

JobsOhio also provided $10,000 to sponsor a January 2025 event for veterans and military families at Ohio State.

The support ended after a request for a $2.9 million investment in a proposed mobile app aimed at helping Ohio veterans find jobs.

Resignation, Responses and Ongoing Inquiries

Before Carter resigned, the board of trustees presented him with a tip from outside the university.

When he offered his resignation, he admitted that he had "made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership".

Carter did not clarify on the nature of the relationship and refused to be interviewed for the probe, while Vlachos did not answer to questions.

After his resignation, three state and two federal entities contacted the university about the incident.

The study indicates that the acts may raise concerns about potential violations of state ethics laws, but no more personnel action is suggested.

Institutional Impact and Leadership Changes

The report said Carter’s actions harmed the university by wasting employee time, creating confusion among staff, and generating distrust with colleagues and external partners.

It also noted that Chris Kabourek, senior vice president for administration and planning, resigned after failing to stop or report Carter’s efforts to assist Vlachos.

The investigation included 60 interviews and analysis of emails, texts, contracts, and Carter’s university records.

Recommendations included reinforcing ethical standards, reviewing leadership assistance practices, and strengthening training for senior officials.

Provost Ravi Bellamkonda has been appointed as the university’s new president following Carter’s resignation.

What to Watch Next:

Now it’s about what happens after the fallout. Will there be real consequences beyond the resignation? And will the university tighten its rules to stop something like this from happening again?

Sources:

1. AP News

2. New York Post

3. Spectrum News