A week after his comments about Notre Dame, the SEC and the Catholic religion went public, Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee announced today his intention to retire effective July 1, 2013. The two-time Ohio State president made his announcement this afternoon in an email to students, faculty and staff. The Columbus Dispatch broke the story.
“Without question, the university has achieved remarkable success, and it has been my honor and calling to lead it,” Gee’s email says. “Ohio State is well-positioned for the future. I love this university, and my relationship with it will continue.”
Gee met with the Trustee board after he made the remarks in December, but there was no real action taken. Since the comments came to light late last week, the board met again with Gee on Monday.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that the University was ready to hand down a stiff penalty on the President if he decided to stay on. For the record, Gee stated that his decision to retire was after a vacation.
“I recently returned from a vacation with my family, during which time I had a chance to consider the university’s phenomenal achievements and the road that lies ahead for it. During my days away, I also spent some time in self-reflection. And after much deliberation, I have decided it is now time for me to turn over the reigns of leadership to allow the seeds that we have planted to grow. It is also time for me to reenergize and refocus myself.”
[Related: Gee could be fired with one more slip up]
