Ohio State University President Ted Carter resigned after disclosing an inappropriate relationship with a person seeking public resources to support her business; the board of trustees accepted his resignation following an unplanned private meeting. Carter acknowledged allowing inappropriate access to university leadership and will depart amid an ongoing presidential transition. The disclosure follows months of high‑profile controversies at the state flagship, including legal challenges tied to donor ties and student‑rights litigation. Trustees emphasized the matter’s seriousness and promised an orderly transition and further details on the interim leadership plan. University governance professionals should note the governance implications: sudden executive departures trigger urgent succession planning, donor‑relations reviews, and communications with state officials and accreditors. Boards must act quickly to preserve institutional stability while investigating any material governance or financial impacts.