OSU president to step down
COLUMBUS — Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson confirmed Monday night that she is stepping down, hours after The Dispatch broke the story of her departure.
The university’s board of trustees asked Johnson, 65, to resign following a review conducted by an outside firm into concerns about her that were raised by staff, sources in the administration told The Dispatch. What those concerns were and the details of the review are not clear.
Johnson’s last day as the university’s 16th president is expected to be at the end of the academic year shortly after spring commencement, which is scheduled for May 7.
Ohio State spokesman Ben Johnson said there was no investigation into the president. Rather, an outside consultant was called in to help the board with Johnson’s annual performance review.
“The board was aware of President Johnson’s intent to leave the university advance of the November board meeting and therefore an annual review was not completed,” he said.
In a statement through her attorney, Rex Elliot, Johnson called the reports “inaccurate” and said the events were “mischaracterized.”
“I’m saddened by the circumstances. My record of accomplishment at Ohio State speaks for itself, and
I made the difficult decision to step down,” she said.
Johnson issued a statement Monday night in the wake of The Dispatch report that she would be resigning.
“Since I arrived at The Ohio State University in August of 2020, we have been able to achieve so much, on so many different fronts, despite considerable adversity including the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said. “I am very proud of all that we have accomplished together. It’s been a privilege to serve this incredible university, and I have been honored to work as part of this brilliant, dedicated and passionate community.
“I have made the difficult decision to step down as president following commencement at the end of the academic year,” she said. “This will allow a search for the next president to proceed and adequate time for me to assist with a seamless transition.”
Johnson will depart about 2½ years into her five-year contract. At the time of her departure, Johnson will have the second-shortest tenure as a president at Ohio State behind only Walter Q. Scott, who served from 1881 to 1883. That does not include acting or interim presidents.