COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University Board of Trustees has appointed Ravi Bellamkonda as the university’s next president, just days after the sudden resignation of former President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. last Saturday.
Bellamkonda, an accomplished biomedical engineer and academic leader, most recently served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University. He is expected to begin his tenure immediately, becoming the university’s 17th president.
In a statement Friday, the board described Bellamkonda as a “visionary leader deeply committed to innovation, access, and academic excellence.” Trustees said his experience bridging research, entrepreneurship, and higher education leadership made him a strong fit to guide Ohio State’s next chapter.
Carter’s resignation, which the university called “effective immediately,” came less than a year after he took office in January 2024. No reason for his departure has been publicly disclosed, though the board expressed gratitude for his service and leadership during a period of rapid institutional change.
Bellamkonda’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Ohio State, which has faced challenges in enrollment, research funding, and faculty retention in recent years alongside continued efforts to expand its statewide impact.
“I’m honored to join this remarkable community,” Bellamkonda said in a statement released by the university. “Ohio State represents the best of what public higher education can do—advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and building opportunity for people across Ohio and beyond.”
A formal campus welcome and press briefing are expected early next week.
