There's nothing 'ominous' about new OSU president Ted Carter. He doesn't need PhD| Letters

Ted Carter has skills to lead Ohio State

Re "There are reasons to be concerned about Ohio State's next president," Sept. 6: While I have great respect for people who have obtained a PhD and have a career in teaching, I wonder how many have had actual work experience outside of teaching.

Walter "Ted" Carter retired as vice admiral with 37 years of service in the U.S. Navy.

He also served as the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and president of the U.S. Naval War College.

This requires leadership qualities and excellent management skills.

Upon his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Carter became president of the University of Nebraska. He is well liked there and was offered a new contract to stay.

While the compensation package from OSU is large, it is in line with other large universities. 

Expert: Does OSU's new president deserve to make more than most Ohioans will earn in lifetime

In my opinion this vast experience was on the job training and gives Carter a well-rounded work experience managing people and organizations. This more than qualifies him to be president of Ohio State University.

He will bring a fresh viewpoint to the university instead of just another PhD candidate.

I congratulate the board of trustees for taking the bold step to hire someone with excellent work and management experience.

Robert Horbatt, Powell

Let this soak in. Woody Hayes would be pleased.

Professor Kevin R. Cox (Sept. 6 "There are reasons to be concerned about Ohio State's next president") writes with concern about the academic background of Ohio State University's next president, "These are limited to a BA degree. Let that soak in for a moment."

Dr. Karen A. Holbrook became OSU president in 2002 and announced her retirement in 2006.  Dr. Kristina M. Johnson was OSU president 2020-2023.

Despite their superior academic credentials, neither one excelled. Let that sink in.

I suspect Woody Hayes would be pleased Ohio State choose Vice Admiral Carter.

Robert B. Stevenson, Columbus

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There's nothing 'ominous' about an OSU CEO

It was disappointing to read the criticism expressed by Ohio State Emeritus Professor Kevin Cox of Ted Carter's appointment as president of The Ohio State University.

His chief complaint, printed in bold, apparently is that Carter intends to act as CEO, which Cox found “ominous.”

The good professor didn't do his homework.

If he had, he'd have found that, in the words of the former head of the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, “At most universities, the president is the CEO.” Forbes Magazine earlier this year ran an article highlighting, “10 Top Black Higher Ed CEOS to Watch in 2023.”

In fact, CEOs don't just lead businesses, but countless other large enterprises including public schools, non-profits, and institutions of higher education, to name just a few.

There's nothing ominous or rare about Carter's appointment.

I join with the many others in our community who wish him a successful tenure.

Bruce A. Cuthbertson, Dublin

Ohio State has plenty of doctors

In response to the Sept. 6 column, "There are reasons to be concerned about Ohio State's next president," I urge Kevin Cox to take a closer look at that huge operation on the Olentangy.

Regardless of the academic aspect of the university, it definitely has become a big business, with budgets in the billions.

The recent growth in capital projects in just the athletic department boggles the mind, while the medical facilities continue unchecked growth as shown by the new construction along Ohio State Route 315 for just one example.

Cox seems a bit condescending in his belief that only a PhD can possibly comprehend the complexities of an academic campus.

The experience Vice Admiral Walter "Ted" Carter has had in his several executive positions certainly better equip him to oversee the vast operations of The Ohio State University than would a doctor of philosophy in medieval history.

There are plenty of deans with doctorates well equipped to handle the academics.

John Wm. Hoppers, Dublin

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Ted Carter has skills to lead Ohio State University