Retiring Ohio State President Gordon Gee is offering his explanations for stepping down, citing everything from his age to a desire to spend more time with his family, which includes twin granddaughters. The 69-year-old Gee says the uproar over his remarks about Catholics and other schools played only a small part in his decision.
Gee also says it's best to step down as the planning process for Ohio State's long-term future begins this week. University trustee chair Bob Schottenstein says the university is in a great position and much of the credit should go to Gee.
Gee also stresses one more thing - he's not going anywhere.
Gee also did not rule out taking on a teaching role at Ohio State. Executive Vice President and Provost Joe Alutto becomes the interim president, and that decision has shaken up the search for a temporary leader for the Columbus City Schools. Board president Carol Perkins says the board intended to offer Alutto the interim superintendent position.
Perkins says Alutto was the only one on the list. And that means the committee has to start from scratch -- with a three week deadline. After insisting for months that the board -- and the board alone -- could find a replacement superintendent in time to begin the new fiscal year, the board voted last month to suspend the search for a permanent replacement. A committee, led by Perkins and Mayor Michael Coleman, along with members of his Columbus Education Commission took over the search for an interim superintendent. Perkins says that group will reconvene and restart the process in the next few days.