Could Kasich become next OSU president?
Former Gov. John Kasich loves Ohio State University so much that he launched his presidential bid from the Ohio Union in 2015. But could that passion translate to a leadership position at the state’s largest university?
Kasich, a Republican who graduated from Ohio State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, has not had any conversations about the position that will be left vacant by resigning President Kristina Johnson, Kasich spokesman Jim Lynch said.
“But (Kasich) loves the university and has always been committed to helping it succeed. He would be happy to help in any way possible,” Lynch said.
In some ways, Kasich would be an unlikely choice. Unlike Johnson, Dr. Michael Drake and E. Gordon Gee, Kasich has no higher-level degrees, such as a PH.D., medical or law degree, and little experience in academia.
Some governors have made the switch. Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels served as Purdue University’s president after his governorship, and ex-oklahoma Gov. David Boren went on to lead
the University of Oklahoma. Both Daniels and Boren have law degrees.
But being a university president is about more than academics. The role involves leadership and fundraising, two things Kasich learned during his decades in politics. And he’s a proud alumnus, issuing proclamations before the Ohio State University-michigan football game banning the letter “m” during the annual
showdown.
Kasich was elected Ohio governor for two terms after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000 and 2016. Now a CNN commentator, Kasich has written several books including “Two Paths: America Divided or United” and “Every Other Monday; Twenty Years of Life, Lunch, Faith, and Friendship.”
After Kasich left Congress, Ohio State paid him $50,000 a year for seven years to serve as a “presidential fellow,” which involved occasional guest lectures and meetings, according to the Dayton Daily News.
Ultimately, the 17-voting member board of trustees will select the next university president. As governor, Kasich appointed eight of them, including the current chair.
What’s the timeline to replace the current president? Johnson announced she will leave at the end of the academic year in May. But that search could be accelerated if she finds another job in early 2023.
Kasich’s name isn’t the only one being floated. Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel recently announced his retirement from leading Youngstown State University. Departing Sen. Rob Portman told Cleveland.com that he isn’t interested in the job.
Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.