North Columbus News

At 1,100 feet long, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier can pivot swiftly in the ocean. Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. used this analogy to urge the university community to prepare for significant changes in higher education.

“I know driving an aircraft carrier isn’t the same as running The Ohio State University. I get that. But we’re at a moment in time where maybe we need to be thinking about how do we take our assets, our capabilities, and make this pivot?” Carter said. The speech was delivered at the 2025 James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lecture, focusing on future challenges and solutions for land-grant universities.

Carter emphasized three core principles for the university's strategic plan, Education for Citizenship 2035. First, follow through with the plan once it is finalized. Second, remember the university’s accountability to state and federal law as a public institution. Lastly, redefine opportunity at Ohio State.

“We still have to have that part of our mission, where we have opportunity. Opportunity for all walks of life. Everyone, welcome to the campus, to the Oval,” Carter noted. He highlighted the importance of scholarship programs, affordability, accessibility, and the university's regional campuses in supporting education access.

The university plans to expand research opportunities, particularly encouraging more students to pursue PhD programs. “We also have to increase the opportunity for Ohioans because we are the state’s flagship,” Carter said, highlighting the necessity to extend these efforts to health care and community support.

Expanding health care access is a priority, with the new Wexner Medical Center inpatient tower marking an opportunity to better serve Ohioans. Carter also mentioned using the university's financial strength to invest in faculty and equip students with essential skills.

“When I say invest in ourselves, I’m talking about increasing the talent of our faculty. And thinking of new ways of giving our students all the tools they’re going to need,” explained Carter, envisioning future graduates fluent in English and artificial intelligence.

Carter concluded by acknowledging the need for readiness. “The pivot is on the horizon. I am proud to be working with all of you to be your president, to be part of this future as we go forward and redefine not only the future of education, but what a land-grant university has been, is, and will be going in the future.”