North Columbus News

Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. announced the appointment of Ravi V. Bellamkonda as the new executive vice president and provost, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Bellamkonda is set to begin his role on January 14, 2025.

"We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Dr. Bellamkonda and his exemplary record of research, teaching and service to the Ohio State community," Carter stated. He emphasized the importance of finding a candidate who embodies a commitment to academic excellence and collaborative leadership, describing Bellamkonda as "that person."

In his new position at Ohio State, Bellamkonda will manage programs within the Office of Academic Affairs aimed at enhancing faculty and student success across all campuses. The deans of Ohio State's 15 academic colleges will report directly to him.

Bellamkonda currently serves as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University. During his tenure there, he initiated several major projects focused on arts, humanistic inquiry, artificial intelligence, and student well-being.

Previously, he was the Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University, where he increased annual extramural research funding significantly and launched two interdisciplinary institutes.

Expressing his dedication to higher education in the United States, Bellamkonda said, "I am excited to have the opportunity to serve The Ohio State University with its scale and reach." He added that under President Carter's leadership, Ohio State is poised for excellence in its academic mission.

A trained bioengineer and neuroscientist, Bellamkonda has held positions at Georgia Institute of Technology and Case Western Reserve University. His work in biomedical engineering has earned him numerous accolades and patents.

John J. Warner, co-chair of Ohio State's search committee, praised Bellamkonda’s accomplishments: "We are delighted to help bring someone of Dr. Bellamkonda’s considerable accomplishments and collegial spirit to Ohio State."

Janet Box-Steffensmeier also expressed confidence in Bellamkonda’s ability to inspire and elevate academic experiences at Ohio State: "We are honored to have Dr. Bellamkonda join our faculty due to his outstanding academic achievements and visionary leadership."

Bellamkonda will take over from interim executive vice president Karla Zadnik after her tenure concludes with ongoing responsibilities as interim dean of the College of Public Health before returning full-time as dean of the College of Optometry.

Carter thanked Zadnik for her contributions during this transitional period: "Our deepest thanks go to Dr. Zadnik... She is a wonderful partner and colleague – and will work closely with Dr. Bellamkonda as part of our exceptional college leadership team."