Carter intently listening, learning — and having fun
Join us for a photo-based trip through President Carter’s first month at Ohio State, as he got to know us and we got a feel for his personal style. And scroll to the end to see all the photo details.
Maybe you’ve seen President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. on campus in his suit and tie or heard him answering questions about higher education and war in the Middle East. He projects a steady, serious confidence and a commitment to learning all he can about our Buckeye community.
What you should also know is he’s quick to crack a joke. He’s enjoying digging into all the myriad details that make us “us.” And he’s absolutely certain that Ohio State is where he wants to be.
Yes, he was trained by the Navy to deconstruct and reassemble nuclear reactors. He’s led battle groups, flown combat missions and testified before Congress 200 times.
He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with combat distinction for valor and the Bronze Star.
He’s also the son of a high-school English teacher, who taught his class for three years. He was editor of the Naval Academy’s satirical magazine, The LOG. And he had a pilot call sign — “Slapshot” — that jokingly references the hockey move that might have been, let’s say, his biggest opportunity for improvement.
(Unless that’s only half-true because he was joking when he said it!)
Either way, he’s genuine when he says he wants to connect with alumni.
And he means it just as much when he shares of himself to show students they can trust him as their president, he’s there for them, and he wants what is best for Ohio State.
“I’ve never felt more in my entire life that I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Carter says. “I’m proud to be a Buckeye.”
And now, here’s the rest of the story
The photos on this webpage are a walk through Carter’s first month on campus. Starting from the top one, here are descriptions of what is happening in each:
Carter outside with a co-worker: On his first official day on campus, Carter crosses the Oval on his way to his new office with JR Blackburn, chief of staff. Learn more about President Carter’s path to Ohio State and his distinguished resumé here.
The Carters and their first BuckIDs: Ted and Lynda Carter admire their first BuckIDs in the office where every Columbus-campus Buckeye goes to get theirs made.
Carter greets reporters: On the first day of spring semester, Carter answers questions at a news conference in University Square South, the new building where his and other offices are located.
The side-scrolling trio of photos:
- Bobby McAlpine, president of Undergraduate Student Government, speaks with Carter and his wife, Lynda, at the first student welcome reception in the Union.
- Carter gets a kick out of his conversation with one of the many students he met.
- One of the best things about the reception is it gave the Carters that chance to meet and casually chat with students — and Brutus.
Carter with the incoming athletics director: Ohio State’s next athletics director, Ross Bjork, and Carter chat at a news conference held at the Covelli Center. Longtime athletics director Gene Smith is retiring in July. Here is what Carter says about Bjork.
Carter and canine: At an all-staff wellness event, Carter shares some love with Shiloh, the Buckeye Paws dog owned by co-founder Mary Justice ’92.
Carter before a meeting: Preparing to preside at his first University Senate meeting, Carter talks with Associate Professor of Psychology Ben Givens, who serves as secretary of the group. The focus was mental health for students and staff.
Carter heads up: With a news conference on the first day of spring semester checked off his to-do list, Carter heads for his office.
