Ohio State University has announced that its investigation into former President Ted Carter will proceed quickly, though officials remain tight-lipped about specific details or a clear timeline. The university’s Compliance Office is overseeing the probe, aiming for an expedited review.
The inquiry began after Carter disclosed what Ohio State’s Board of Trustees called an “inappropriate relationship” with an individual seeking university resources for a private business. Carter resigned from his position earlier this week amid the unfolding situation.
Ben Johnson, spokesperson for Ohio State, confirmed that the investigation now includes a business filing linked to a podcast connected to the matter. The filing lists WOSU Public Media as the address for a company run by Krisanthe Vlachos, the podcast host and the person involved in the relationship disclosure.
Johnson explained that the university’s Office of University Compliance and Integrity is conducting the investigation independently from the senior leadership. This structure likely excludes Ohio State’s newly appointed president, Ravi Bellamkonda, from direct involvement in the review process.
JobsOhio’s Involvement with the Podcast
JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development nonprofit, sponsored the podcast “The Callout,” produced by Krisanthe Vlachos. The organization agreed to pay $15,000 per episode for a planned four-episode series set between September and December of last year.
However, only one episode was completed, with JobsOhio citing scheduling conflicts for the remainder of the recordings. The group is now attempting to recover the full $60,000 paid for the four-episode commitment.
Additionally, JobsOhio disclosed a separate transaction involving Vlachos, having paid $10,000 to Task Force Pineapple for sponsoring a January event—a Columbus performance of the play “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret.”
JobsOhio maintains that it found no irregularities in its contracting or vetting processes and asserts that it adhered to proper protocols in its collaboration with Ohio State.
Leadership Transition Amid Investigation
The investigation continues as Ohio State moves forward under the leadership of its 18th president, Ravi Bellamkonda, who was recently appointed by the Board of Trustees. The university confirmed that the compliance office’s work on Carter’s case will continue independently of Bellamkonda’s administration.
No reports indicate that law enforcement agencies have been involved or notified in relation to the investigation at this time.
Regarding Carter’s departure, Ohio State stated there was no special separation agreement except for compensation of unused vacation days, which is standard practice. Carter requested permission to remain in the university president’s residence for 90 days post-resignation, and the university approved this request.
It remains unclear whether Carter’s participation alone on the podcast prompted his resignation or if additional factors contributed. Johnson noted that the board’s determination focused specifically on the inappropriate relationship itself without providing further elaboration.
This ongoing investigation and related contractual issues involving public funds highlight the university’s commitment to transparency and swift resolution through its compliance mechanisms.
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