Ohio State presidential search panel to begin work

COLUMBUS (AP) — The search for Ohio State University’s next president will formally begin Friday with the first meeting of a search committee that includes trustees, faculty and students.

The next leader succeeds E. Gordon Gee, who retired July 1 after apologizing for earlier remarks jabbing Notre Dame, Roman Catholics and Southeastern Conference schools.

Ohio State says the search committee will be led by trustee Jeffrey Wadsworth, CEO of Columbus-based research giant Battelle Memorial Institute.

The panel includes five trustees who will make a recommendation to the larger board. A subcommittee of faculty, administrators and student leaders will offer input, and an executive search firm is expected to have a role in the process.

A planned discussion of characteristics of a modern university leader will coincide with the board’s meeting in late August.