COLUMBUS – Michael Drake, who has served as president of The Ohio State University since 2014, has announced that he will step down next year.
Drake, 69, made the announcement Friday, saying that the timing is right for Ohio State and his family. He is expected to remain on the job through the 2019-2010 academic year.
“Ohio State has enjoyed record successes in several of our most important strategic markers and has tremendous momentum. It was important to Brenda and me that the university be accelerating on a path forward as we decided to begin the transition,” Drake said in a release from the university.
“Ohio State is a very special place. Brenda and I are blessed to be part of the incredible Buckeye community, The work being done at this university through teaching, learning, research, creative expression, community engagement and leading-edge partnerships is unprecedented in our 150-year history.” – statement from Dr. Michael Drake
“The university has never been stronger, and there couldn’t be a better time to position a new leader for success,” University Board of Trustees chairman Gary Heminger said.
Under Drake’s leadership, the university has seen all-time highs in applications, retention and graduation rates, and research expenditures, as well as other areas.
Trustee Lewis Von Thaer will serve as chair of a committee that will launch a national search for the university’s 16th president.