What community leaders, officials are saying about new Ohio State President Ted Carter

Ohio State University stakeholders say they're excited to work with Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., whom the university's Board of Trustees on Tuesday named the university's next president.

Carter, 64, has served as president of the University of Nebraska system since January 2020 and will start his new role as the 17th president of Ohio State on Jan. 1.

Steve Stivers, president of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said he believes the selection of Carter, a former Navy fighter pilot, superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and vice admiral, will "pay dividends."

"He fundamentally understands the nexus of a big research university to growing our communities," Stivers said. "I think he's going to be a great addition to our community. I think he's going to be great for Columbus, but I think he's (also) going to be great for the whole state of Ohio. He's a leader who knows how to lead, and that's what we need in a large institution like Ohio State."

Carter will succeed Kristina M. Johnson, who officially stepped down in May as Ohio State's president.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he wants to continue partnerships between the university and his administration "to continue leveraging programs and research that further strengthen quality of life in neighborhoods all across Columbus."

"(Carter) possesses a spirit of service and keen intellect, qualities that will serve him well as he hits the ground running," Ginther said.

Scott Schricker, chair of the University Faculty Council, also welcomed Carter, saying in a provided statement sent on behalf of faculty leaders, that they look forward to working with Carter toward OSU's "mission of excellence in education, research and community-oriented outreach."

As president of the University of Nebraska system, Carter has overseen the main campus in Lincoln and three other campuses of almost 70,000 students, faculty and staff, including an academic medical center.

While there, Carter launched the "Nebraska Promise," a financial aid program guaranteeing full tuition coverage for low- and middle-income students. He also implemented a budget plan that included a two-year tuition freeze.

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said he was pleased to learn about the "Nebraska Promise" and looked forward "to working with him on our very own 'Columbus Promise.'"

"The Ohio State University and the City of Columbus share many critical priorities, and we look forward to partnering with him," Hardin said.

Columbus Partnership CEO Kenny McDonald said Carter comes to the city and state at an important time.

"Carter is coming to Ohio State at a transformative time in the Columbus region’s history, and we look forward to working together to prepare the workforce of tomorrow and further elevate our great city," McDonald said.

Nana Watson, president of the Columbus NAACP chapter, also said she was looking forward to working with Carter.

"The OSU president sets the tone in interacting with the Black community," Watson said of the role the university head plays in Columbus.

OSU Students: Incoming president Carter should prioritize diversity, public interest

At the state level, Ohio House Minority Leader Rep. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, said Carter had "battle-tested leadership."

"The success of our state’s economic growth is directly tied to the success of OSU and Ohio’s other higher-ed institutions, and at this critical time in Ohio’s history, it is more important than ever that we support our state’s public universities," Russo said.

State Senate Higher Education Committee chair and author of Senate Bill 83 Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, said "Ohio State is fortunate to get somebody of his caliber." Cirino said he thinks the OSU trustees looked for someone "who will be willing to work with the legislature."

Senate Bill 83 is a controversial piece of legislation that would overhaul campus life, banning most mandatory diversity training, changing tenure, creating new American civics classes and penalizing professors who fail to create "classrooms free from bias."

"I'm encouraged by what I've read about him, and we, certainly in the legislature, I think, welcome him to Ohio," Cirino said.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus, Ohio leaders react to new Ohio State President Ted Carter