Dream big, move fast: Shaping what comes next
President Ravi V. Bellamkonda pairs bold curiosity with urgency, turning ideas into action to guide Ohio State’s next chapter.
Recently, our team at the Alumni Association drafted a new strategic vision to help guide us through the next decade. I love talking about our vision, because it allows us to dream big. A vision isn’t constrained by budget or org structures—those come later. Instead, it lets us focus on what Ohio State means to us, our alumni and to the people of Ohio.
We began this work under President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., using his Education for Citizenship 2035 framework as our catalyst. Days after finishing our work, we welcomed a new president. This was an immediate test of the validity of our vision.
Fortunately, President Ravi V. Bellamkonda helped shape the framework we used, and he expressed right away that he intended to carry it forward. I was impressed but not surprised. In the years I have known Ravi, he has consistently shown himself to be a person who thinks boldly and acts with purpose.
For those who’ve yet to meet Ravi, this issue of Ohio State Alumni Magazine contains an in-depth and thoughtful portrayal. From my experience, I can tell you two things with confidence:
- His curiosity is boundless.
- He is impatient in the best possible way. A way that keeps us moving.
When you talk to Ravi, you have his full attention. He is genuinely interested in what you have to say, especially if it’s something he hasn’t heard before. In our many conversations since he arrived in Columbus as our provost, he has shown a sincere interest in the Alumni Association, our traditions and the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni.
As for his impatience, Ravi believes ideas matter most when they lead to action. He’ll hear your proposal, but he also wants to know how you will bring it to life. While academia can sometimes move at the speed of “research, revise, repeat,” Ravi prefers a pace that reminds you to keep your shoes tied.
I think you’ll enjoy learning more about President Bellamkonda, and I hope you get a chance to meet him sometime soon. I know you’ll be impressed, as he will be equally delighted to meet you.
