Ohio State University released an investigation report detailing the circumstances of Carter's departure. The report found that Carter abused his position to make wide-ranging efforts to assist Vlachos both inside and outside the university, though the specific details of these efforts remain unclear. Carter arranged for Vlachos to visit his office via a secret garage entrance to keep their relationship quiet, and he met her in 2023 while he was president of the University of Nebraska. According to the report, Carter allowed the relationship to improperly influence his actions and impair his judgment. Carter and Vlachos took five covert vacations together to Orlando, Kansas City, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, and Richmond in Vermont. Carter fabricated a business reason for one of their trips to take time off, but they never used university money to fund their holidays. Their relationship was outed in November after being spotted together outside a hotel in Philadelphia, with a witness saying the early morning encounter suggested the possibility of an inappropriate relationship, per the report.
Vlachos, the female host of a podcast for military veterans, planned to move her work operation from St Louis to Columbus, where Ohio State is located. Carter tried to help Vlachos by asking an Ohio State employee for assistance finding her a full-time job within the university. Carter is accused of trying to secure resources for Vlachos's podcast, including space from the public media. It is unknown whether Vlachos obtained a job or resources at Ohio State University as a result of Carter's actions.
Forwarding this resume for any potential job opening. She is planning to move to Columbus immediately (from St Louis) and is looking for a full time position. She tells me she is open to any opportunity that fits her skill set. Think she would be a good fit for anyone's team.
Carter turned down interview requests by investigators of the college report about his resignation, and Vlachos did not respond to outreach from investigators. The exact reasons why Carter declined to cooperate have not been disclosed. Carter is married to Lynda Carter (formerly Kohlhepp) for 40 years, and it is unknown whether she knew about the affair.
Ohio State acted swiftly on Thursday to move past Carter's resignation over the weekend. Trustees are voting to appoint Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi Ballamkonda as Carter's successor, with Ballamkonda's appointment bypassing the traditional nationwide search. Ballamkonda will be Ohio State's fourth president since 2020.