Who is Ravi V. Bellamkonda? The academic set to lead The Ohio State University

Ravi V. Bellamkonda has been named the 18th president of The Ohio State University after the resignation of former president Ted Carter Jr. The university’s Board of Trustees made the decision on March 12, only days after Carter stepped down following the disclosure of an “inappropriate relationship,” as per reports.

Who is Ravi V. Bellamkonda - The New President of The Ohio State University

Bellamkonda had been serving as the university’s provost and executive vice president since January 2025, a role widely considered the institution’s top academic position, as per the Dispatch report. Instead of launching a new presidential search, the board chose a leader already working closely within the university.

He said, "All my life I've been privileged to take on roles that have had some impact and meaning. And for me, there's no greater honor than to have this role. When asked to serve, it is my duty, having learned to love this place as much as I do now... and when at a moment, something unexpected happened, and the board asked me to serve, the least I can do for a place that I care about is to step up and serve," as quoted by Dispatch.


Also read: What is Collin Morikawa’s net worth? Golfer exits The Players Championship with injury

Ravi V. Bellamkonda's Early Academic Career in Neuroscience and Bioengineering

Bellamkonda’s academic journey began in 1989 when, at age 21, he travelled from India to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. at Brown University. His work has focused on neuroscience and bioengineering.

After completing his doctorate, he became a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1995, he began his academic career as a professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ravi V. Bellamkonda's Leadership Roles at Georgia Institute of Technology, Duke University and Emory University

Over the years, he held several leadership roles at Georgia Institute of Technology, including Wallace H. Coulter Professor and chair of the biomedical engineering department, along with associate vice president of research. Later, he served as Vinik Dean of Engineering at Duke University and was president of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering until 2021.

Before arriving at Ohio State, Bellamkonda worked at Emory University in Atlanta as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

As provost at Ohio State, Bellamkonda oversaw the university’s academic programs and initiatives through the Office of Academic Affairs, which supports faculty and student success across six campuses. The deans of all 15 academic colleges and the university libraries report to the provost, who also serves on the president’s cabinet.

During his leadership roles, Bellamkonda has focused on initiatives related to student experience, faculty recruitment and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. At Ohio State, he has supported efforts to integrate AI into undergraduate education so that students graduate with AI fluency.

He also launched the “Game Changer Scholars” initiative aimed at bringing innovative faculty members to the university and oversaw a record-breaking year for research investment, as per the Dispatch report.

Also read:Quote of the day by Freddie Mercury: 'Money may not buy happiness, but it can...' - lessons on finance, wealth and happiness by rock band Queen's lead vocalist and songwriter of Bohemian Rhapsody and Somebody to Love

Ravi V. Bellamkonda’s Personal Life and Interests

Bellamkonda is married to Dr. Lalita Kaligotla, and the couple has two grown children. He is also a longtime fan of Cleveland sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He once described the Cavaliers’ 2026 NBA championship win as one of the best days of his life.

FAQs

Who is Ravi V. Bellamkonda?

Ravi V. Bellamkonda is an academic leader and bioengineer who has been named the 18th president of The Ohio State University.

Why did Ted Carter Jr. resign from Ohio State?

Ted Carter Jr. resigned after disclosing an “inappropriate relationship.”